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Bernard  Brooks' 
Adventures 

The  Experience  of  a  Plucky  Boy 
By  HORATIO  ALGER,  Jr. 

Author  of  "A  Debt  of  Honor,"    "  In  Search  of  Treasure,* 
"  Ben  Bruce,"  "The  Errand  Boy,"  Etc. 


A.  L.  BURT  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS 
NEW  YORK 


Copyright,  1903, 
By  a.  L.  BURT  COMPANY. 


BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURE. 
By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr. 


BEBNARD    BROOKS'    ADVENTURES.    . 


CHAPTEE  I. 


BEKNAKD  BROOKS, 


"  Totj'ee  a  bad  lot,  Bernard  Brooks.  I  don't  think 
I  ever  knew  a  wuss  boy." 

"  Thank  jou  for  the  compliment,  Mr.  Snowdon. 
Let  me  suggest,  however,  that  ivuss  is  hardly  correct 
English." 

The  speaker  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  but  as  tall  as 
most  boys  of  seventeen.  He  had  a  bold,  aggressive 
manner,  which  he  only  assumed  with  those  he  thought 
were  hostile  or  unfriendly. 

He  could  be  a  devoted  friend,  and  a  loyal  subordi- 
nate to  one  who  gained  his  good  will,  Mr.  Snowdon 
he  did  not  look  upon  as  a  friend,  though  he  had  been 
placed  in  his  charge  two  months  before  by  a  cousin  of 
his  deceased  father. 

Ezekiel  Snowdon,  a  man  of  perhaps  sixty,  tall  and 
3 


4       BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

with  stooping  shoulders,  colored  with  anger  at  the 
boj's  sarcastic  words. 

He  claimed  to  have  been  educated  at  a  small  Wes- 
tern college,  and  on  the  strength  of  it  had  established 
himself  in  the  country  and  advertised  for  private  pu- 
pils at  a  low  rate. 

These  were  mostly  young,  and  not  competent  to 
see  his  deficiencies,  but  Bernard  was  old  enough  and 
well  enough  educated  to  perceive  and  comment  on 
them.  This  greatly  annoyed  Mr.  Snowdon,  who  felt 
that  the  boy  did  not  treat  him  with  proper  re- 
spect. 

"  Quit  your  impudence !  "  said  Snowdon  with  a 
vicious  look  in  his  greenish-hued  eyes.  "  I  don't 
need  no  criticisms  from  a  whipper  snapper  like  you." 

"  I  intended  it  for  your  benefit,  Mr.  Snowdon," 
said  Bernard  demurely.  "  Besides,  you  criticise  me. 
You  called  me  a  bad  lot." 

"  And  so  you  are.  A  wuss — a  worse  boy  I  never 
seen." 

"  Saw  would  be  more  correct,  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  Young  man,  you'd  better  look  out.  I  won't  sub- 
mit to  your  aggravating  impudence.  Besides,  you 
are  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  Chaucer  and  Sp^^^iser 
use  seen  for  saw.  Them  are  my  favorite  poets,  %o  it 
is  not  strange  that  I  should  occasionally  make  use 
of  their  diction." 


BERNARD  BROOKS.  5 

"  Thank  you  for  the  information,  Mr.  Snowdon. 
I  did  not  know  that  you  had  such  high  authority.  I 
have  read  a  little  of  Chaucer  and  Spenser,  and 
I  never  observed  the  word  you  mention." 

"  Perhaps  you  have  not  read  the  same  works  as 
I,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon. 

"  Very  likely,"  remarked  Bernard,  struggling  to 
suppress  a  smile. 

"  It  might  be  well  another  time  to  be  sure  of  your 
ground  before  you  try  to  criticise  your  elders." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Bernard,  with  a  meekness  which 
the  twinkle  in  his  eye  belied. 

"  A  little  knowledge  is  a  dangerous  thing,"  re- 
marked Mr.  Snowdon  with  dignity. 

"  I  am  sure  you  are  a  good  judge  on  that  point, 
Mr.  Snowdon,"  said  Bernard  with  demure  faoe,  so 
that  his  elder  did  not  catch  the  covert  sarcasm. 

"  I  am  glad  you  give  me  credit  for  something,"  re- 
joined the  teacher.  "  l^ow  you  hear  what  I  say.  I 
won't  have  you  goin'  round  with  that  Nat  Barclay,  as 
you  did  last  evening." 

"  What's  the  matter  with  Nat  Barclay  ?  " 

*'  He  was  once  a  pupil  of  mine,  and  he  defied  my 
authority,  so  I  had  to  discharge  him." 

"  That  isn't  what  he  says,  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  What  does  he  say  ?  " 

"  He  says  that  he  found  out  you  didn't  know 


6       BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

enough  to  teach  him,  and  got  his  father  to  take  him 
away  from  your  school." 

"  Then  the  boy  lied,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon,  coloring 
deeply.     "  I'd  like  to  thrash  him." 

"  I  dare  say  you  would,  Mr.  Snowdon,  but  I  don't 
think  it  would  be  exactly  safe.  l!^at  wouldn't  stand  it." 

"  He'd  have  to  stand  it,  if  I  took  it  into  my  head 
to  chastise  him." 

"  If  you  had  a  scrimmage,  I'd  bet  on  ISTat,"  said  the 
bold  pupil. 

"  Do  you  consider  scrimmage  a  classical  word  ?  " 
asked  Mr.  Snowdon  with  a  sneer. 

"  Well,  not  exactly.  I  suppose  you  know  that 
Dryden  uses  it,"  said  Bernard  with  a  bold  flight  of 
imagination. 

l^ow  Mr.  Snowdon  was  not  sufficiently  versed  in 
English  classical  writers  to  know  whether  this  state- 
ment was  correct  or  not.  So  he  equivocated  to  con- 
ceal his  ignorance. 

"  Dryden  is  not  always  a  correct  writer,"  he  added. 
"  I  never  advise  my  pupils  to  imitate  him.  But  that 
is  neither  here  nor  there.  I  have  told  you  that  I  don't 
want  you  to  go  round  with  ISTat  Barclay." 

"  Why  not  ?  I  am  sure  he  is  of  good  family.  His 
father  is  a  clergyman." 

"  It  is  from  respect  to  his  father  that  I  did  not 
chastise  him  when  he  was  in  my  school." 


BERNARD  BROOKS.  7 

"  He  says  his  father  does  not  think  much  of  your 
scholarship." 

"  It  is  because  he  has  poisoned  his  father's  mind 
against  me  by  false  and  mendacious  charges  and  state- 
ments. I  can  afford  to  look  upon  these  with  contempt 
since  my  alma  mater  bestowed  upon  me  the  honorary 
degree  of  P.  D.  at  the  last  commencement." 

"  What  does  P.  D.  stand  for  ?  " 

"  Doctor  of  Philosophy,"  answered  Mr.  Snow- 
don  in  a  lofty  tone. 

"  Oh,  I  thought  it  might  mean  something  else." 

"  What  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Snowdon  suspiciously. 

"  Oh,  it  isn't  material.  I  don't  want  to  display  my 
ignorance,"  said  Bernard  meekly. 

"  I  am  glad  you  are  becoming  sensible." 

Mr.  Snowdon  did  not  press  the  question,  as  he  con- 
jectured that  P.  D.,  as  understood  by  Bernard,  would 
stand  for  something  far  from  complimentary. 

"  I  am  going  to  the  post-office,  Mr.  Snowdon.  Can 
I  do  anything  for  you  ?  " 

"  You  may  inquire  if  there  are  any  letters  for  me." 

"All  right,  sir." 

Bernard  was  about  to  leave  the  room,  when  he 
turned  as  if  struck  by  a  sudden  thought. 

"  May  I  inquire,  Mr.  Snowdon,"  he  asked,  "  what 
authority  you  have  for  calling  me  '  a  bad  lot.'  ?  " 


S  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  liave  the  authority  of  Cornelius  McCracken, 
your  guardian." 

"  Does  he  say  I  am  a  bad  lot  ? "  asked  Bernard, 
his  brow  contracting. 

"  Yes,  he  did." 

"When  did  he  say  it?" 

"  In  a  letter  I  received  last  week." 

"  May  I  see  the  letter,  Mr.  Snowdon  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  teacher,  "  if  it  will  give  you 
any  satisfaction." 

"  It  will  give  me  satisfaction  to  know  exactly  how 
he  expresses  himsdf  in  speaking  of  me." 

Ezekiel  Snowdon  opened  his  desk,  and  took  out  a 
letter  postmarked  l!>[ew  York. 

"  There  is  the  letter,"  he  said,  handing  it  to  Ber- 
nard with  a  malicious  smile.  "  Out  of  regard  for 
your  feelings  I  had  not  intended  to  show  it  to  you, 
but  since  you  desire  it,  I  feel  that  I  shall  not  be  re- 
sponsible for  any  wound  your  pride  may  receive." 

Bernard  did  not  answer  this  speech,  but  taking 
the  letter  tendered  him,  opened  and  hastily  read  it. 

This  was  the  letter: 

"  Ezekiel  Snowdon"^  Esq.  : 

"  Deak  Sir — I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter,  com- 
plaining of  my  ward,  Bernard  Brooks.  You  say  you 
find  him  disrespectful  and  insubordinate,  and  upon 


BERNARD  BROOKS.  9 

this  ground  you  ask  me  to  increase  the  price  I  pay  for 
his  education.  I  am  quite  aware  that  he  is  a  bad  lot. 
You  will  do  me  the  justice  to  remember  that  in  plac- 
ing him  under  your  charge  I  did  not  seek  to  exten- 
uate the  boy's  faults.  I  told  you  that  he  was  obstin- 
ate, independent,  and  headstrong.  You  told  me  that 
you  had  had  great  success  in  managing  refractory 
boys,  and  were  willing  to  undertake  him.  Under 
these  circumstances  I  cannot  feel  that  I  am  called 
upon  to  increase  the  remuneration  agreed  upon  be- 
tween us  in  the  first  place.  Should  you  find  him  im- 
pudent, I  shall  not  object  to  your  inflicting  upon  him 
such  punishment — even  castigation — as  in  your  opin- 
ion he  may  require.  More  money,  however,  I  can- 
not pay  you,  as  it  draws  heavily  upon  my  resources 
to  pay  the  amount  already  agreed  upon. 
"  Yours  respectfully, 

"  Cornelius  McCeacken." 

"  'Now  I  hope  you  are  satisfied,"  said  Mr.  Snow- 
don,  as  he  received  the  letter  back. 

"  I  am  satisfied  that  you  have  not  misrepresented 
Mr.  McCracken." 

"  You  see  he  gives  me  complete  authority  over 
you." 

"  I  see  he  does,"  returned  Bernard  in  a  peculiar 
tone. 


10      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  May  I  ask,  Mr.  Snowdon,"  he  added,  after  a 
thoughtful  pause,  "  whether  my  guardian  ever  told 
you  about  how  I  was  situated  ?  " 

"  In  what  way  ?  " 

"  As  to  money  matters.  Did  he  tell  you  whether 
or  not  I  had  any  fortune  ?  " 

"  He  said  you  had  not." 

"  Did  he  tell  you  that  I  was  wholly  dependent  upon 
his  charity  ?  " 

"  He  gave  me  that  impression.  You  ought  to  feel 
very  grateful  to  him  for  his  great-hearted  liberality 
in  thus  defraying  the  expenses  of  a  destitute  orphan." 

"  Probably  I  am  as  grateful  as  the  occasion  re- 
quires," rejoined  Bernard  gravely.  "  I  will  inquire 
for  letters  for  you." 

As  the  boy  went  out  Mr.  Snowdon  looked  after  him 
thoughtfully. 

"  I  hate  that  boy !  "  he  murmured  to  himself.  "  It 
would  do  me  good  to  flog  him.  His  guardian  has 
given  me  leave,  and  I  think  that  I  will  soon  find  an 
opportunity  to  avail  myself  of  it" 


CHAPTER  II. 


BEENAKD  S  BOLDNESS. 


On  his  way  to  the  post-office  Bernard  met  Nat  Bar- 
clay. 

"  Where  are  you  bound,  Bernard  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  To  the  post-office." 

"  How  are  you  getting  on  with  Ezekiel  ?  " 

"  There  is  no  love  lost  between  us.  He  says  I  am 
a  bad  lot.  In  fact,  he  says  he  never  knew  a  wuss 
boy." 

Both  boys  laughed. 

"  What  bad  things  do  you  do  ?  " 

"  Associate  with  you,  for  one  thing." 

"  Has  Ezekiel  forbidden  it  ?  " 

"Yes." 

"  Then  perhaps  I  had  better  leave  you  ?  " 

"  By  no  means.  I  don't  propose  to  obey  Mr. 
Snowdon  in  that." 

"  Thank  you,  but  I  don't  want  you  to  get  into 
trouble." 

"  What  trouble  can  I  get  into  ?  " 

"  He  may  undertake  to  flog  you." 

"  Let  him  try  it,"  said  Bernard  in  a  significant 
11 


12  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

tone.  "  What  do  you  think  I  would  be  doing  ?  Did 
he  ever  undertake  to  chastise  you  ?  " 

"  ISTo.     He  knew  my  father  would  not  permit  it." 

"  If  he  would  whip  his  own  son  it  might  do  him 
good.    Septimus  is  a  young  imp."  "^ 

"  There  he  is  now !    I  wonder  what  he  is  up  to." 

Septimus  Snowdon  was  an  ill-favored  boy  of  fif- 
teen with  red  hair  and  freckles  seeming  like  exten- 
sive patches  upon  a  face  in  which  even  the  most  par- 
tial eyes  could  not  have  seen  a  redeeming  feature. 
He  was  standing  a  little  distance  ahead,  looking  up 
into  the  branches  of  a  tree  in  which  a  terrified  kitten 
had  taken  refuge.  Standing  beside  him  was  a  young 
boy  of  twelve  who  seemed  to  be  concerned  for  the 
safety  of  the  kitten. 

Septimus  raised  a  large  stone,  and  taking  aim, 
sent  it  through  the  air,  aiming  at  the  cat.  It  came 
very  near  hitting  her. 

"  Don't  stone  my  kitty,"  remonstrated  Frank  Fisk, 
the  young  boy. 

"  Stop  your  noise !  "  said  Septimus  roughly.  "  I 
shall  stone  her  all  I  want  to." 

As  he  spoke  he  threw  another  stone,  which  just 
grazed  the  kitten's  face  and  elicited  a  terrified  cry. 

"  There,  you  bad  boy,  you  hit  my  kitty." 

"  Who  calls  me  a  bad  boy  ?  "  demanded  Septimus, 
with  an  ugly  look  on  his  face. 


BERNARDS  BOLDNESS.  13 

"  I  did,  and  you  are  one,  or  you  wouldn't  throw 
stones  at  my  kitten." 

"  I'll  throw  stones  at  you  if  you  like  it  any  bet- 
ter." 

"  You  wouldn't  dare  to.  I'd  tell  my  father,  and 
he'd " 

"  What  would  he  do  ?  " 

"  He'd  stop  you." 

"  We'll  see  if  he  will." 

Septimus  took  a  strong  cord  from  his  pocket,  and 
seizing  the  boy's  hands,  prepared  to  tie  them  to- 
gether in  spite  of  his  cries. 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do  ? "  asked  Frank  in  a 
tone  of  apprehension. 

"  I  am  going  to  give  you  a  lesson,"  answered  Sep- 
timus coolly. 

Frank  struggled  to  free  himself,  but  Septimrus 
was  too  strong  for  him. 

!N^at  Barclay  turned  to  Bernard. 

"  Shall  we  let  him  hurt  little  Frank  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Not  much." 

As  Bernard  spoke  he  strode  towards  Septimus, 
who  thus  far  had  not  observed  him. 

"  Stop  that,  you  young  brute !  "  he  said  in  an  im- 
perious tone.    "  Do  you  hear  me  ?  " 

Septimus  turned  quickly,  and  his  scowl  became 
deeper  when  he  saw  who  had  spoken  to  him;  for  if 


14      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

there  was  any  boy  lie  hated  it  was  Bernard,  who  had 
interfered  with  him  more  than  once. 

"  Yes,"  he  said.    "  I  hear  and  I  won't  do  it." 

"  You  won't,  eh  ?  " 

"  ISTo,  I  won't,  and  you'd  better  be  careful  what  you 
say  or  do,  or  I'll  tell  pa,  and  then " 

"  And  then  what  ?  " 

"  You'll  get  a  flogging." 

"  That  doesn't  frighten  me  much.  Are  you  going 
to  stop  ?  " 

"  No,  I'm  not ;"  and  Septimus  gave  an  extra  twist 
that  made  Frank  cry  out. 

Bernard  concluded  that  the  time  for  remonstrance 
was  past.  He  sprang  forward,  and  seizing  Septimus 
in  his  powerful  grasp,  tore  him  from  his  young  vic- 
tim. 

"  I'll  pay  you  up  for  this !  "  shrieked  Septimus, 
as  he  flung  himself  upon  Bernard. 

Bernard  laid  him  on  his  back  in  less  than  a  minute. 

"  Do  you  want  any  more  ?  "  he  asked,  rather  con- 
temptuously. 

Just  at  this  moment  the  kitten  saw  a  favorable  op- 
portunity to  escape,  and  ran  down  the  trunk  of  the 
tree.  As  she  was  running  away  Septimus  caught 
sight  of  her,  and  his  cruel  instincts  were  aroused. 
He  seized  a  rock  and  flung  it  at  her.  Had  it  struck 
the  kitten  she  would  have  been  seriously  hurt. 


BERNARD'S  BOLDNESS.  15 

Bernard  was  fond  of  pets,  and  his  soul  revolted  at 
cruelty  in  anj  form. 

"  1  see  you  can't  be  trusted,  Septimus,"  he  said 
composedly.    "  l^at,  come  here  and  help  secure  him." 

"  What  shall  1  do?  "  asked  'Nat 

''  Hold  his  hands." 

;Nat  Barclay  complied  with  his  request,  and  Ber- 
nard taking  the  cord  which  Septimus  had  used  on 
Frank,  quickly  and  securely  tied  the  hands  of  the 
young  tyrant. 

Septimus  struggled  and  threatened,  hut  without 
effect.    In  less  than  a  minute  he  was  securely  bound. 

"  There,"  said  Bernard,  "  you  are  safe  for  a  short 
time," 

"  Untie  my  hands,  or  I'll  get  my  father  to  flog 
you !  "  screamed  Septimus. 

"  Perhaps  you'd  better,"  said  Nat  Barclay  in  a 
low  voice.  He  was  afraid  his  friend  would  get  into 
trouble. 

"  'No,  I  won't.  Septimus  needs  the  lesson.  You 
needn't  worry  about  me.  Now  we'll  go  to  the  post- 
office." 

The  two  boys  kept  on  their  way,  and  Septimus,  his 
hands  tied,  with  wrath  in  his  heart,  started  for  home. 

Mr.  Snowdon  was  just  coming  out  of  the  front 
door,  when  to  his  astonished  gaze  was  revealed  his 


16      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES, 

son  and  heir  walking  towards  the  house,  with  hia 
hands  close  together,  like  a  prisoner  in  handcuffs. 

"  What  does  all  this  mean  ?  "  he  asked  in  surprise. 
"  What  have  you  been  tying  your  hands  for  ?  " 

"  I  didn't  tie  my  hands,"  said  Septimus  sullenly. 
"  Do  you  think  1  am  a  fool  ?  " 

"  Septimus,  you  should  not  speak  to  your  father 
like  this.    If  you  did  not  tie  your  hands,  who  did  ?  " 

"  Who  did  ?  That  young  loafer  Bernard  Brooks. 
I  want  you  to  flog  him  within  an  inch  of  his  life." 

"  Bernard  Brooks  tied  your  hands  I  " 

"Didn't  I  say  so?" 

"  But  why  did  you  let  him  do  it  ?  " 

"  How  could  I  help  it,  when  he  had  l!^at  Barclay 
with  him  ? " 

"  So  N"at  Barclay  was  with  him  ?  " 

"  Yes,  he  was." 

"  I  forbade  him  to  associate  with  that  Barclay." 

"  Much  he  cares  for  your  orders.  When  I  told  him 
you  would  flog  him,  he  laughed !  '^ 

"  Oh,  he  laughed,  did  he  ?  "  said  Mr.  Snowdon, 
much  incensed. 

"  Yes,  he  doesn't  care  for  you,"  said  Septimus, 
craftily  fanning  his  father's  wrath. 

"  I'll  learn  him,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon,  shaking  hia 
head  vigorously.  "  He'll  see  that  I  am  not  to  be  trifled 
with.    But  what  did  he  tie  your  hands  for  ?  " 


BERNARD'S  BOLDNESS.  17 

"  Just  cut  the  cord  and  I'll  tell  you.  It  hurts  like 
all  possessed." 

Mr.  Snowdon  drew  a  jack  knife  from  his  pocket 
and  severed  the  cord.  Septimus  breathed  a  sigh  of  re- 
lief. 

"  See  how  very  red  my  wrists  are  ?  "  he  said.  "  Pa, 
do  me  a  favor." 

"  Well,  what  is  it  ?  " 

"  Keep  this  cord,  and  let  me  tie  Bernard's  hands 
with  it." 

"  A  good  idea,  Septimus.  T^ow  tell  me  what  he 
tied  your  hands  for  ?  " 

"  For  just  nothing  at  all." 

"  There  must  have  been  something." 

"  Well,  you  see  Frank  Fisk's  kitten  was  up  in  a 
tree,  and  I  was  shying  stones  at  it.  Frank  made  such 
a  fuss  that  I  took  out  a  cord  and  thought  I  would  tie 
his  hands  just  to  give  him  a  lesson.  Just  then  those 
two  loafers  came  along,  and  had  the  impudence  to 
tell  me  to  stop,  just  as  if  they  had  any  authority  over 
me.  Of  course  I  told  them  it  was  none  of  their  busi- 
ness, and  defied  them." 

"  Very  proper,  Septimus.  You  are  only  respon- 
sible for  your  conduct  to  me." 

"  Then  Bernard  Brooks  made  a  savage  attack  upon 
me,  and  getting  ISTat  Barclay  to  hold  my  hands,  he 
tied  them.    What  do  you  say  to  that,  pa  ?  " 
2 


18      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  do  I  say  ?  That  it  was  a  high-handed  and 
outrageous  proceeding." 

"  Bully  for  you,  pa !  You  express  my  sentiments. 
How  what  are  you  goin'  to  do  about  it  ? " 

"  I  shall  call  the  Brooks  boy  to  account.  He  for- 
gets that  he  is  under  my  charge." 

"  He  seems  to  think  I  am  under  his  charge.  Say, 
pa,  you  won't  allow  your  son  to  be  insulted  and  trod 
upon,  will  you  ?  " 

"  "No,  I  won't,  Septimus.  For  some  time  I  have 
been  thinking  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  flog  Ber- 
nard Brooks,  and  now  I  have  made  up  my  mind  to  do 
it." 

"  Good,  pa !  You'll  let  me  see  you  tackle  him, 
won't  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Septimus,  I  wilL  I  can  understand  the 
gratification  it  will  give  you." 

"If  you  do  that  will  pay  me  for  w^hat  he  did  to  me." 

"  But  perhaps  he  won't  come  back,"  said  Mr. 
Snowdon  in  an  apprehensive  tone.  "  In  that  case  I 
shall  lose  the  quarterly  sum  his  guardian  pays  me." 

"  You  don't  think  he'll  run  away  ?  "  asked  Septi- 
mus. 

Half  an  hour  later  this  question  was  answered. 
Bernard  was  seen  approaching  the  house,  his  manner 
cool  and  composed,  while  he  looked  neither  troubled 
nor  flurried. 


CHAPTER  III. 


BROUGHT   TO   BAY. 


When  Bernard  saw  Septimus  Snowdon  and  his 
father  standing  in  front  of  the  house  he  understood 
at  once,  from  the  expression  of  their  faces,  that 
trouble  was  in  store  for  him. 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon  curtly,  "  so  you 
have  come  home  at  last  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir.     There  was  no  letter  for  you." 

"  Ahem !  I  shall  have  to  write  a  letter  to  your 
guardian." 

Bernard  shrugged  his  shoulders,  but  did  not  think 
it  necessary  to  say  anything,  rather  to  the  disappoint- 
ment of  Ezekiel,  who  wished  to  draw  him  out. 

"  I  find,"  he  said,  "  that  you  have  made  an  out- 
rageous assault  on  my  innocent  boy.  What  have  you 
to  say  in  extenuation  of  your  conduct  ? " 

"  Only  that  your  innocent  boy  was  stoning  a  kit- 
ten, and  bullying  a  young  boy." 

"  Even  if  he  were,  what  business  was  it  of  yours  ?  " 

"  It  will  always  be  my  business  to  protect  children 
and  animals  from  being  abused,"  said  Bernard 
warmly. 

19 


20  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  You  are  a  very  impudent  boy !  Are  you  aware 
that  the  boy  you  assaulted  is  my  son  ?  " 

*'  I  ought  to  be  aware  of  it.  There  isn't  another 
boy  in  town  who  would  be  guilty  of  such  brutal  con- 
duct." 

"  Are  you  goin'  to  stand  that,  pa  ? "  asked  Septi- 
mus, anxious  to  precipitate  a  conflict  between  Ber- 
nard and  his  father. 

"  'No,  I  am  not,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon,  compressing 
his  lips.    "  Get  me  the  horsewhip." 

!N^o  command  could  have  been  more  pleasant  to 
Septimus.  He  ran  into  the  house,  and  soon  reap- 
peared with  an  ordinary  horsewhip  with  which  his 
father  was  in  the  habit  of  punishing  the  pupils  under 
his  charge. 

He  handed  it  to  his  father  with  a  malicious  smila 

"  There  it  is,  pa !  "  he  said.    "  Lay  it  on  heavy." 

Mr.  Snowdon  did  not  immediately  proceed  to  make 
use  of  the  whip.  Considering  Bernard  to  be  in  his 
power,  he  was  disposed  to  play  with  him  as  a  cat 
plays  with  a  mouse  of  whom  it  is  preparing  to  make  a 
victim. 

"  Do  you  know  what  I  am  going  to  do,  Bernard 
Brooks  ?  "  he  demanded  sternly. 

"  Suppose  you  tell  me,"  said  Bernard  quietly. 

"  I  am  going  to  flog  you." 

"  What  for  ?  " 


BROUGHT  TO  BAY.  21 

"  For  assaulting  my  boy." 

"  Why  don't  you  let  him  do  it  ?  " 

"  Septimus,  do  you  wish  to  chastise  Bernard  with 
this  whip,  and  so  punish  him  for  his  attack  upon 
you  ?  " 

There  was  nothing  that  Septimus  would  have  liked 
better,  but  there  was  something  in  Bernard's  steady 
look  that  made  him  think  it  would  not  be  prudent. 

"  I  guess  you'd  better  flog  him,  pa,"  he  said,  after 
a  pause. 

"  Very  well,  my  son,  I  will." 

Whip  in  hand,  Ezekiel  Snowdon  advanced  upon 
his  refractory  pupil.  Bernard  did  not  wait  meekly 
to  receive  the  punishment,  neither  did  he  care  to  get 
into  a  fight  with  the  teacher.  He  turned  and  ran 
through  the  back  yard  and  down  a  lane  leading  to  a 
tract  of  marsh  which  belonged  to  the  Snowdon  farm. 

"  He'll  get  away,  pa !  "  said  Septimus. 

"  Try  to  head  him  off,  my  son !  " 

Septimus,  who  was  in  the  path,  tried  to  do  so,  but  a 
swinging  blow  from  Bernard  nearly  prostrated  him, 
and  the  fugitive  kept  on.  Mr.  Snowdon's  blood  was 
up.  Brandishing  the  whip  in  his  long  and  sinewy 
arms,  he  kept  his  thin  legs  in  motion,  and  pursued 
Bernard  with  as  great  speed  as  he  was  capable 
of. 

But  Bernard  had  several  rods  the  start,  and  he 


22      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

was  a  good  runner.  He  kept  on,  occasionally  looking 
back  to  see  what  progress  his  pursuer  was  mak- 
ing. 

"  What  does  the  boy  mean  by  running  to  the 
marsh  ?  "  thought  Mr.  Snowdon.  "  He  is  a  fool.  I 
shall  catch  him  there  to  a  certainty." 

Bernard  probably  had  views  of  his  own.  Indeed, 
it  is  quite  certain  that  he  had  a  plan  by  which  he 
hoped  to  bring  discomfiture  upon  his  dignified  pre- 
ceptor. He  made  straight  for  the  marsh,  till  he 
found  his  progress  barred  by  a  wide  ditch  about  half 
full  of  slimy  water. 

"  Aha !  the  ditch  will  stop  him,"  reflected  Mr. 
Snowdon. 

But  no !  Bernard  poised  himself  for  an  instant  on 
the  brink,  and  then  lightly  leaped  over,  landing  in 
safety  on  th'C  opposite  side.  Close  behind  him  was 
Mr.  Snowdon.  That  gentleman  felt  impelled  by  the 
impetus  acquired  in  running  to  follow  Bernard's 
example.  But  the  ditch  was  quite  six  feet  across, 
and  Mr.  Snowdon,  though  not  overburdened  with 
flesh,  was  stiffer  in  his  joints  than  he  had  been  twenty 
years  before,  and  this  operated  against  him.  Besides, 
it  was  slippery  where  he  started  to  jump,  and  the  re- 
sult was  that  he  landed  in  the  middle  of  the  ditch 
where  he  floundered  in  the  miry  water  in  a  woeful 
condition. 


BROUGHT  TO  BAY.  23 

Septimus  came  up  directlj,  for  he  waa  third  in  the 
race. 

"  Where  are  you,  pa  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Don't  you  see  where  I  am  ?  "  demanded  Mr. 
Snowdon  sharply.  "  Help  me  out  of  this  quagmire !  " 

Rather  reluctantly  Septimus  extended  his  hand, 
for  his  father's  hand  as  well  as  his  clothes  were  be- 
dabbled with  mire,  and  Mr.  Snowdon  nearly  pulled 
him  in,  in  his  efforts  to  extricate  himself  from  the 
ditch. 

"  You're  all  over  mud,  pa !  "  said  Septimus,  sur- 
veying the  sorry  plight  of  his  sire. 

Just  across  the  ditch  stood  Bernard,  he  had  come 
to  a  halt,  and  calmly  eyed  his  would-be  captor. 

"  It's  your  fault,  you  young  scoundrel !  "  cried  Mr. 
Snowdon  in  a  fury,  his  wrath  increased  by  the  knowl- 
edge that  Bernard  was  as  neat  and  clean  as  when  he 
started.  "  If  it  hadn't  been  for  you  I  shouldn't  have 
been  in  this  plight." 

"  I  don't  see  how  I  could  help  it,  sir.  You 
shouldn't  have  tried  to  jump  over  the  ditch." 

"Why  did  you  doit?" 

"  I  wanted  to  get  away  from  you." 

"  Jump  back  at  once !  " 

A  smile  stole  over  Bernard's  face. 

"  I  shouldn't  dare  to,"  he  answered.  "  I  might  fall 
in  as  you  have." 


24      BERNAED  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

^^  And  serve  you  right!    I  order  you  to  jump." 

^^  Suppose  I  do,  and  get  safe  over  ?  " 

"  I  will  flog  you  within  an  inch  of  your  life,"  said 
Mr.  Snowdon  rather  imprudently. 

"  That  isn't  inducement  enough,"  said  Bernard. 
"  I  guess  I  had  better  stay  where  I  am." 

"  You  needn't  think  you  will  escape  the  whipping. 
You  may  put  it  off,  but  you'll  have  to  take  it  sooner 
or  later." 

Evidently  Mr.  Snowdon  thought  it  best  to  put  off 
punishing  Bernard  for  the  present.  He  was  so  bespat- 
tered with  mud  that  it  w^as  necessary  to  go  home  and 
change  his  clothing.  Septimus  was  very  sorry  for 
this  decision,  as  he  had  been  looking  forward  with 
pleasant  anticipation  to  seeing  Bernard  flogged. 

"  You  ain't  goin'  to  let  him  off,  pa,  are  you  ? "  he 
asked. 

"  'No,"  answered  Mr.  Snowdon,  with  a  vengeful 
look.  "  The  longer  it's  put  off,  the  harder  I'll  lay 
it  on  when  the  time  comes." 

Satisfied  with  this  assurance  Septimus  followed 
his  father  home.  As  from  time  to  time  he  glanced  at 
the  figure  of  his  parent  he  could  not  help  reflecting 
that  Mr.  Snowdon  was  not  a  father  to  be  proud  of. 
He  never  looked  attractive,  but  under  present  circum- 
stances he  looked  more  unsavory  than  usual. 

Left  alone  Bernard  did  not  leap  back  across  the 


BROUGHT  TO  BAY.  25 

ditch,  but  taking  a  course  to  the  right  emerged  into 
the  main  road  about  half  a  mile  from  Mr.  Snow- 
don's  house. 

He  took  a  short  cut  to  the  home  of  his  friend  Kat 
Barclay,  whom  he  made  acquainted  with  the  catas- 
trophe that  had  befallen  Mr.  Snowdon. 

l^at  laughed — he  could  hardly  help  it — as  he  pic- 
tured to  himself  the  miry  and  bedraggled  condition 
of  his  old  teacher. 

"  I  am  afraid  he'll  try  to  get  even  with  you,  Ber- 
nard," he  said  apprehensively. 

"  'No  doubt  he  would  if  he  got  a  chance." 

"  But  he  can't  help  having  plenty  of  chances  as 
you  live  in  his  house." 

"But  I  am  not  going  to  live  there  any  longer,  Nat." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  shall  run  away." 

"  You  won't  do  that,  will  you,  Bernard  ?  What  will 
your  guardian  say  ?  You  have  no  one  else  to  depend 
upon." 

"  I  don't  know." 

"  But  this  is  serious,  Bernard." 

"  I  have  myself." 

"  But  what  can  a  boy  of  fifteen  do  ?  " 

"  He  can  support  himself.  At  any  rate,  he  can 
try.  The  fact  is,  I^at,  I  don't  think  Mr.  McCracken 
a  friend  of  mine.     I  may  go  to  him,  and  ask  if  he 


26  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

will  make  any  other  arrangements  for  me.     If  he 
won't,  I  will  make  them  for  myself." 

"  What  will  you  do  to-night,  Bernard  ?  " 

"  I  will  go  back  to  Mr.  Snowdon's — creep  up  to  my 
room,  if  I  have  a  chance,  get  out  a  bundle  of  clothes, 
and  sleep  in  the  barn.  In  the  morning  I  can  start 
early,  and " 

"  Where  will  you  go  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  yet." 

Mr.  Snowdon  was  in  the  habit  of  retiring  early^ 
and  so  were  his  family.  Generally  at  nine  o'clock 
they  were  in  bed.  When  nine  o'clock  came  he  told 
Septimus  to  lock  the  door. 

"  But  suppose  Bernard  comes  back  ?  " 

"  He  can  sleep  out  of  doors  for  one  night.  It  will 
teach  him  a  lesson." 

He  didn't  know  that  Bernard  had  already  visited 
the  house,  made  up  a  bundle  of  clothing,  and  with- 
drawn to  the  barn,  where  he  had  found  a  comfortable 
resting  place  on  one  of  the  lofts  of  hay. 

It  was  Bernard's  intention  to  get  up  early  in  the 
morning  and  make  his  escape  before  Mr.  Snowdon 
or  any  of  his  family  were  astir. 

But  a  healthy  boy,  who  is  a  good  sleeper,  cannot  al- 
ways fix  the  time  of  awaking.  For  some  reason  Ber- 
nard slept  on  till  half-past  seven  o'clock.  Septimus 
had  oeeasion  to  go  to  the  barn,  and  discovered  him 


BROUGHT  TO  BAY.  27 

still  asleep.  He  ran  into  the  house  in  great  excite- 
ment. 

"  Pa,"  he  said,  "  Bernard  is  asleep  in  the  barn.  I 
seed  him." 

Occasionally  Septimus,  though  the  son  of  a  teacher, 
made  grammatical  mistakes. 

"  Is  he  asleep  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Snowdon  in  a  tone  of 
interest. 

"  Yes,  pa." 

"  The  Lord  has  delivered  him  into  my  hands.  I 
will  not  neglect  the  opportunity  to  chastise  him." 

"  He  may  wake  up  when  you  are  getting  up." 

"  I  will  take  you  with  me  to  hold  the  ladder." 

"  He  might  stick  me  with  the  pitchfork,"  said 
Septimus,  who  was  a  coward  at  heart. 

"  Then  I  will  take  Bridget." 

Bridget  was  the  kitchen  drudge.  She  was  rather  a 
stupid  girl,  who  stood  in  fear  of  her  employer. 

They  went  to  the  barn  together.  Mr.  Snowdon 
went  up  the  ladder,  whip  in  hand,  Bridget  holding 
the  ladder.  He  mounted  the  opposite  scaffold,  and 
prepared  to  cross  to  the  other,  when  Bernard,  who 
had  been  aroused  by  the  sound  of  voices,  made  his  ap- 
pearance, cap  in  hand,  and  asked  composedly:  "  What 
are  you  after,  Mr.  Snowdon  ?  " 

"  I'm  after  you,  Bernard  Brooks,"  answered  Mr. 
Snowdon  grimly. 


CHAPTEK  IV. 

/ 

A    EOADSIDE    ACQUAINTANCE. 

The  position  was  critical.  Bernard  was  tall  and 
muscular  for  his  age,  but  of  course  he  was  not  a 
match  for  the  teacher. 

He  was,  however,  cool  and  collected,  and  not  at  all 
nervous.  He  maintained  his  ground  till  Mr.  Snow- 
don,  with  slow  and  cautious  steps,  had  crossed  the 
narrow  bridge,  and  then  ran  to  the  back  part  of  the 
loft. 

The  schoolmaster  followed  him  as  well  as  he  could, 
but  in  his  impetuosity  he  lost  his  balance  and  fell 
on  the  hay. 

Bernard  made  a  dash  for  the  plank.  Seeing  him 
coming,  Bridget  was  seized  with  a  panic  and  hastily 
dismounted  from  the  ladder. 

Bernard  took  advantage  of  this,  and  descending 
to  the  bam  floor,  seized  the  ladder  and  carried  it  out 
of  doors,  leaving  Professor  Snowdon  a  prisoner  in 
the  barn  loft. 

Septimus,  who  was  prudently  standing  just  out- 
28 


A  ROA.DSIDE  ACQUAINTANCE.  29 

side,  called  out,  in  alarm,  "  Where's  my  pa  ?  Wliat 
have  you  done  to  him  ?  " 

Bernard  was  not  called  upon  to  answer,  as  there 
was  an  angry  roar  from  inside  the  barn. 

''  Bring  back  the  ladder,  you  audacious  young  ruf- 
fian!  " 

Bridget  had  fled  to  the  house,  and  Septimus,  who 
was  far  from  courageous,  ran  out  behind  the  barn. 

"  I  think  the  place  is  too  hot  to  hold  me,"  thought 
Bernard,  and  he  struck  for  the  road  on  a  half  run. 

He  had  managed  to  catch  up  his  bundle  of  clothes 
when  fleeing  from  the  angry  teacher,  and  there  was 
nothing  to  prevent  his  bidding  a  final  farewell  to  the 
Snowdon  Institute. 

Meanwhile  Professor  Snowdon  found  himself  in 
a  quandary.  He  was  in  the  hay  loft,  unable  to  de- 
scend to  the  barn  floor. 

He  could  indeed  walk  across  the  plank  to  the  op- 
posite scaffold,  but  that  would  not  help  him.  It 
was  certainly  very  aggravating.  Bernard,  he  had  no 
doubt,  was  in  full  flight,  while  he  was  unable  to  fol- 
low him. 

"  Bridget !  "  he  cried.  "  What  has  become  of  the 
ladder?" 

But  Bridget  had  already  returned  to  the  house. 

"  Drat  that  girl,"  he  muttered  angrily.  "  Has 
she  left  me  in  the  lurch  ? " 


30      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Then  he  bethought  himself  of  his  son. 

"  Septimus !  "  he  cried,  or  rather  roared. 

"  What  is  it,  pa  ?  "  asked  Septimus,  who  had  gath- 
ered enough  courage  to  return  to  the  barn. 

"  Where  is  Bernard  Brooks  ?  " 

"  He's  nm  away." 

"  Has  he  taken  the  ladder  with  him  ?  " 

"  He  took  it  out  of  the  barn." 

"  He  won't  carry  it  far.    Go  and  bring  it  here." 

"  I  dassn't.     He'll  come  back  and  lick  me." 

"  Do  as  I  tell  you  at  once.  If  you  don't  I  will  flog 
you." 

Septimus  thought  it  prudent  to  heed  his  father's 
appeal,  especially  as  it  was  evident  that  Bernard  had 
got  aAvay. 

He  lugged  the  ladder  into  the  barn. 

"  Now  put  it  up  against  the  scaffold  so  that  I  can 
get  down." 

Septimus  did  so,  but  he  did  not  see  that  the  lad- 
der had  a  secure  footing,  so  that  when  his  father  was 
part  way  down  it  fell,  and  the  learned  pedagogue 
tumbled  sprawling  on  the  barn  floor,  receiving  some 
painful  contusions,  which  did  not  improve  his  tem- 
per. 

"  It*8  your  fault,  you  young  booby !  "  he  exclaimed 
furiously,  and  springing  for  Septimus  he  lashed  him 
across  the  legs. 


A  ROADSIDE  ACQUAINTANCE.  31 

"  Ouch !  "  yelled  Septimus.  "  Are  you  crazy,  pa  ? 
I  ain't  Bernard." 

"  I'd  like  to  flog  that  boy  within  an  inch  of  his 
life !  "  exclaimed  Ezekiel  Snowdon,  excited  to  fury 
by  the  sound  of  Bernard's  name. 

"  Then  you'd  better  try  to  catch  him  instead  of 
licking  me." 

"  Come  into  the  house,  Septimus,"  said  his  father 
more  calmly.  "  Look  down  the  road  and  see  if  you 
can  see  him." 

Septimus  shaded  his  eyes,  and  looked  down  the 
road,  but  no  runaway  boy  was  visible. 

"  I  can't  see  him,  pa.  He  may  be  hiding  some- 
where." 

"  Go  and  ask  Mr.  Sweetland  if  he  will  lend  me  his 
horse.    I'll  go  after  him." 

"  There's  Leslie  Sweetland  now.    I'll  ask  him." 

Leslie  Sweetland,  a  boy  of  sixteen,  well  and 
strongly  built,  was  walking  by. 

"  I  say,  Leslie,"  called  out  Septimus,  "  do  you 
think  your  father  will  lend  us  his  horse  ? " 

Leslie  stopped  short.  He  had  very  little  friendship 
for  Septimus,  and  disliked  the  elder  Snowdon. 

"  What  do  you  want  him  for  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Bernard  Brooks  has  run  away,  and  pa  and  I  want 
to  catch  him." 


32      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Has  Bernard  run  away  ?  "  asked  Leslie,  imme' 
diatelj  interested. 

"Yes." 

"  What  did  lie  run  away  for  ?  " 

"  Pa  went  to  the  barn  to  horsewhip  him  for  his 
owdacious  conduct.  He  carried  off  the  ladder  and 
left  pa  in  the  hay  loft,  and  now  he's  run  away." 

Leslie  burst  into  a  fit  of  laughter. 

"  Well,  that's  a  good  joke !  "  he  said. 

"  I  don't  see  where  the  joke  comes  in,"  growled 
Ezekiel. 

"  I  don't  blame  him  for  running  away,"  said  Les- 
lie, with  spirit. 

"  I've  a  greet  mind  to  horsewhip  you,"  cried  the 
amiable  Snowdon. 

"You'd  find  you'd  tackled  the  wrong  boy,"  re- 
torted Leslie.     "  You  can't  have  our  horse." 

"  That's  for  your  father  to  say." 

"  He  won't  help  you  to  catch  Bernard.  I'll  tell 
him  not  to." 

"  The  impudence  of  the  boys  in  this  village  is 
positively  terrible,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon.  "  Septimus, 
go  over  to  Mr,  Bacon,  and  see  if  he  will  lend  us  his 
horse." 

Septimus  did  as  ordered,  but  he  found  Mr.  Ba- 
con's horse  in  use,  and  upon  his  return  Mr.  Snowdon 
felt  that  it  was  too  late  to  make  other  arrangements. 


A  ROADSIDE  ACQUAINTANCE.  33 

"  I'll  write  to  the  boy's  guardian,"  he  said,  "  and 
probably  he  will  send  him  back  without  expense  to 
me.     If  he  does  I'll  make  the  boy  howl." 

Meanwhile  Bernard  was  making  the  best  of  his 
time.  He  ran  half  a  mile  without  stopping.  He 
passed  a  covered  buggy,  and  as  he  did  so  turned  back 
to  look  at  it. 

It  was  occupied  by  a  man  of  perhaps  forty,  who 
seemed  to  be  in  trouble.  He  held  the  reins  loose  in 
his  hands,  his  eyes  were  partly  closed,  and  his  body 
swayed  from  side  to  side  of  the  carriage. 

"  He  needs  help,"  thought  Bernard. 

He  ran  to  the  horse,  seized  him  by  the  bridle,  and 
stopped  him. 

The  driver  did  not  seem  to  be  aware  of  his  interfer- 
ence. 

Bernard,  after  a  moment's  hesitation,  climbed  into 
the  carriage,  and  seating  himself  beside  the  gentle- 
man, took  the  reins  from  his  unresisting  fingers. 

"  Are  you  sick,  sir  ?  "  he  said. 

The  gentleman  opened  his  eyes  and  looked  at  Ber- 
nard. 

"  Yes,"  he  said.     "I  came  near  fainting  away.'' 

"  Shan't  I  drive  for  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  wish  you  would.    Who  are  you  ?  " 

"  My  name  is  Bernard  Brooks." 


34      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  All  right !  I  don't  know  jou,  but  jou  seem  like 
a  good  boy." 

"  Where  shall  I  drive  you  ?  " 

"  To  the  next  town." 

"  Poplar  Plains  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

This  suited  Bernard  very  well.  Poplar  Plains  was 
five  miles  away,  and  here  there  was  a  station  on  the 
nearest  railroad. 

He  drove  on,  while  his  companion  leaned  back  in 
the  carriage  and  closed  his  eyes.  Bernard  took  a 
side  glance  and  noted  his  appearance. 

He  was  a  man  with  dark  hair  and  eyes,  and  his 
complexion  was  also  dark.  He  looked  to  be  in  good 
health  but  for  the  pallor  occasioned  by  his  present 
attack. 

,    He  roused  up  when  they  came  within  a  mile  of 
Poplar  Plains. 

"  Are  you  feeling  better  ?  "  asked  Bernard. 

"  Yes ;  a  little.  You  haven't  any  hartshorn  about 
you  ? " 

"  No,  sir ;  but  there  is  a  drug  store  at  the  Plains. 
I  can  get  some  for  you." 

"  Do  so." 

"  Shall  I  drive  you  to  any  particular  place  ?  " 

"  Yes.  Drive  to  the  hotel.  Do  you  know  where 
it  is?" 


A  ROADSIDE  ACQUAINTANCE.  35 

"  Yes,  sir." 

In  a  very  few  minutes  Bernard  halted  in  front  of 
the  Poplar  Plains  Hotel.  A  servant  came  out  to  re- 
ceive the  expected  guest. 

"  Is  your  father  going  to  stop  with  us  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  He  isn't  my  father,  but  he  will  stop.  He  is  feel- 
ing unwell,  and  I  will  get  you  to  help  him  out." 

Assisted  by  Bernard  and  the  hotel  porter,  the  gen- 
tleman descended  from  the  buggy  and  went  into  the 
hotel. 

"  Sit  down  here  a  moment,  sir,  and  I  will  get  you 
the  ammonia,"  Bernard  said.  "  The  drug  store  is 
close  by." 

"  Wait  a  moment.  You  will  want  some  money. 
Here  is  a  dollar." 

He  drew  a  dollar  bill  from  his  vest  pocket  and 
handed  it  to  Bernard,  who  returned  in  five  minutes 
with  a  small  bottle. 

The  gentleman,  removing  the  cork,  applied  the 
bottle  to  his  nose.     He  sneezed,  but  seemed  revived. 

"  I  feel  better,"  he  said.  "  Go  and  take  a  room 
for  me  and  help  me  up  to  it." 

"  What  name  shall  I  put  down  on  the  register  ?  '* 

"  William  Penrose." 

"  Where  from  ?  " 

"  Buffalo." 

Bernard  did  as  requested.     Mr.  Penrose  was  as- 


36      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

signed  to  a  room  on  the  second  floor.  Then  Bernard, 
taking  out  some  silver,  offered  it  to  his  companion. 

"  The  hartshorn  only  cost  ten  cents,"  he  said. 
"  Here  is  the  change." 

"  Keep  it,"  said  Mr.  Penrose. 

"  Thank  you,  sir.  It  will  be  very  acceptable.  'Row 
I  will  bid  you  good-by." 

"  E'o,  don't  go.  Stay  with  me,  unless  you  have  to 
go  home.    I  may  need  you." 

"  I  have  no  home,  sir.    I  can  stay  as  well  as  not" 

"  Then  go  down  and  put  your  name  on  the  regis- 
ter. There  is  another  bed  in  the  room.  You  can 
sleep  there." 


•>*} 


CHAPTEK  Y. 


MR.  PENEOSE  S  SECKET. 


Beenaed  was  by  no  means  loath  to  accept  the  invi- 
tation he  had  received.  His  stock  of  ready  money 
was  very  small,  and  would  soon  be  exhausted.  While 
he  remained  with  Mr,  Penrose  he  would  be  taken  care 
of. 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  accept  your  invitation,  Mr. 
Penrose,"  he  said. 

"  I  hope  I  am  not  interfering  with  any  of  your 
plans." 

"  "No,  sir.    I  have  not  formed  any  plans  yet." 

"  That  is  singular,"  observed  Mr.  Penrose,  with  a 
mild  curiosity. 

"  I  haven't  had  time  to  form  any  plans  yet,"  ex- 
plained Bernard.  "  I  only  started  in  for  myself  this 
morning." 

"  You  excite  my  curiosity.  Do  you  mind  throw- 
ing light  on  the  mystery  ?  " 

"  Not  at  all,  sir.  I  ran  away  this  morning  from  a 
boarding  school  in  the  next  town." 

"  You  ran  away  from  school  ?  That  doesn't  sound 
well." 

37 


38  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  dare  saj  not,  but  if  you  knew  Mr.  Ezekiel 
Snowdon,  you  wouldn't  be  surprised  at  my  running 
away." 

"  Ezekiel  Snowdon  ?  Why,  I  once  went  to  school 
to  a  teacher  of  that  name.     Describe  him." 

Bernard  did  so. 

"  It  must  be  the  same  man." 

"  Where  was  he  teaching  ?  " 

"  He  came  to  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  was  en- 
gaged to  teach.  That  was  my  native  town,  and  I 
was  a  lad  of  thirteen  at  the  time." 

"  Did  you  like  him  ?  " 

"  ISTo ;  I  think  he  was  the  most  unpopular  teacher 
we  ever  had.  He  taught  just  six  weeks.  At  the  end 
of  that  time  the  bigger  boys  formed  a  combination 
and  rode  him  on  a  rail  out  of  town.  He  was  an  ig- 
noramus, and  was  continually  flogging  the  boys.  If 
he  couldn't  find  a  pretext  for  punishment  he  invent^ 
one.  But  he  received  his  deserts.  After  his  ride  on 
a  rail  he  never  ventured  to  come  back  to  Springfield." 

Bernard  laughed.  "  I  think  it  must  be  the  same 
man,"  he  said. 

"  I  have  often  wondered  what  the  old  fellow  was 
doing,"  said  Mr.  Penrose.  "  It  seems  he  has  stuck 
to  the  business  of  a  pedagogue.  Now  tell  me  your 
experience  with  him." 

This  Bernard  did.    He  explained  that  Mr.  Snow- 


MR.  PENROSE'S  SECRET.  39 

3on  Avas  now  at  the  head  of  the  Snowdon  Institute 
in  the  neighboring  town  of  Doncaster. 

"  Has  he  many  pupils  ?  " 

"  About  eight  or  ten,  but  they  are  boarding  pu- 
pils." 

"  Who  placed  you  there  ?  " 

"  My  guardian,  Mr.  Cornelius  McCracken  of  New 
York.  I  think  Mr.  Snowdon's  low  terms  influenced 
him  in  the  selection  of  the  school.  I  soon  found  out 
that  he  wasn't  much  of  a  scholar.  Besides,  he  is  a 
tyrant,  and  tried  to  bully  me. 

"  He  has  a  son,  Septimus,  who  is  a  very  disagree- 
able boy,  and  is  continually  instigating  his  father 
to  punish  the  boys.  They  are  mostly  small,  and  un- 
able to  resist  injustice.  Finally  he  tackled  me,  and 
threatened  to  horsewhip  me." 

"  You  naturally  objected,"  said  Mr.  Penrose,  with 
a  smile. 

"  Yes ;  I  had  no  idea  of  allowing  myself  to  be 
treated  in  that  way.  Yesterday  I  made  up  my  mind 
to  run  away.  I  stopped  over  night  in  the  bam,  and 
meant  to  get  off  early  this  morning,  but  was  surprised 
by  Septimus,  who  let  his  father  know  where  I  was. 
Soon  the  old  man  appeared  with  a  horsewhip,  and 
climbed  up  to  the  scaffold  where  I  was  sleeping  on  the 
hay.     I  woke  up  in  time,  and  managed  to  escape, 


40      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

carrying  off  the  ladder,  and  leaving  Mr.  Snowdon 
a  prisoner  in  the  hay  loft." 

"  That  was  clever  in  you.  And  then  you  took  leg 
bail?" 

"  Yes,  sir.  In  ten  or  iifteen  minutes  I  overtook 
your  carriage,  and  seeing  that  you  were  in  trouble, 
I  climbed  in  and  took  the  reins." 

"  Luckily  for  me.  The  horse  might  have  run  away 
with  me." 

"  It  was  lucky  for  me,  also,  that  I  fell  in  with  you," 
added  Bernard. 

"  I  have  a  great  mind  to  tell  you  a  secret,"  said  Mr. 
Penrose,  after  a  pause. 

"  It  will  be  safe  with  me,  sir." 

He  was  not  surprised  to  hear  that  his  companion 
had  a  secret,  and  was  curious  to  learn  what  it  might 
be. 

"  I  ought  to  feel  considerable  sympathy  with  you," 
went  on  Mr.  Penrose,  "  for  I  am  placed  in  a  similar 
position.    I,  too,  am  running  away." 

Bernard  looked  startled.  Could  it  be,  he  asked 
himself,  that  his  companion  was  a  fugitive  from  jus- 
tice ?  He  could  hardly  believe  it,  for  Mr.  Penrose's 
appearance  was  very  much  in  his  favor. 

His  companion  went  on  with  a  smile,  "  Don't  sup- 
pose that  I  am  a  defaulter  or  a  thief  on  my  way  to 


MR.  PENROSE'S  SECRET.  41 

Canada,"  he  said.  "  My  case  is  a  peculiar  one.  I 
happen  to  be  a  rich  man." 

"  I  don't  see  why  you  should  ran  away,  then." 

"  I  have  a  cousin,  an  unprincipled  man,  who  is 
anxious  to  get  possession  of  my  property." 

"  But  how  can  he  do  it  ?  The  law  will  protect  you 
in  your  rights." 

"  It  ought  to,  certainly,  but  my  cousin  is  a  cunning 
schemer.  He's  trying  to  have  me  adjudged  insane, 
and  get  an  appointment  as  my  guardian.  Do  you 
think  I  look  insane  ?  " 

"  m,  sir." 

"  I  am  as  sane  as  my  cousin  himself,  but  I  am  sub- 
ject to  occasional  fits,  such  as  the  one  I  had  just  now. 
If  I  were  seen  in  one  of  these  I  might  be  thought  to 
be  of  unsound  mind." 

"  Are  you  often  taken  that  way,  Mr.  Penrose  ?  " 

"  !Not  often,  but  I  have  been  subject  occasionally 
to  fits  since  I  was  a  boy.  My  cousin  cunningly  waited 
till  I  was  suffering  an  attack,  when  he  hastily  sum- 
moned two  quacks,  and  got  them  to  certify  that  I 
was  insane.  I  got  over  the  fit  before  the  certificate 
was  made  out,  but  I  realized  my  danger,  and  I  fled 
from  Buffalo,  fearing  that  I  might  be  taken  to  an 
asylum  during  the  next  seizure." 

"  What  a  scoundrel  your  cousin  must  be !  He  must 
be  worse  than  Mr.  Snowdon." 


42  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  He  is  a  villain  of  a  different  type,  and  certainly 
quite  as  bad.  In  order  to  enjoy  my  property,  he 
would  coolly  doom  me  to  life  imprisonment  in  a  mad- 
house." 

"  Where  are  you  intending  to  go,  Mr.  Penrose  ?  " 

"  I  may  take  a  voyage  somewhere.  On  the  sea  I 
should  be  safe." 

"  Do  you  think  your  cousin  is  in  pursuit  of  you  ?  " 

"  Probably  he  is." 

"  What  is  his  name  ?  " 

"  Lawrence  Atwood." 

"  Is  the  buggy  you  were  driving  your  own  ?  " 

"  'No,  and  that  reminds  me,  I  ought  to  return  it  to 
the  stable  from  which  I  hired  it." 

"  Where  is  that^  sir  ?  " 

"  Brooks'  stable,  in  Doncaster." 

"  I  suppose  you  could  get  a  man  from  the  hotel  to 
drive  it  back — by  paying  him,  of  course." 

"  That  is  a  good  suggestion.  I  would  ask  you  to 
take  it  back,  but  it  might  lead  to  your  being  captured 
by  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  Yes,  sir ;  that  would  be  my  only  objection." 

"  Very  well !  Go  down-stairs  and  see  what  ar- 
rangement you  can  make." 

Going  down-stairs  Bernard  had  the  good  luck  to 
find  a  young  man  from  Doncaster,  Freedom  Went' 
worth,  who  was  about  to  start  back. 


MR.  PENROSE'S  SECRlTr.  43 

"  Hello,  Bernard !  "  exclaimed  the  young  man,  in 
surprise.    "  When  did  you  come  here  ?  " 

"  Half  an  hour  ago.  I  say.  Freed,  when  do  you 
go  back  to  Doncaster  ?  " 

"  I  am  just  starting  back.  I  wish  I  could  meet 
somebody  going  that  way,  as  I  don't  like  the  idea  of 
walking." 

"  I  can  fix  you  out.  There  is  a  gentleman  up-stairs 
who  wants  to  send  back  a  buggy  to  Brooks'  stable.  If 
you  will  take  charge  of  it  he  will  pay  you  for  your 
trouble." 

"  I'm  in  luck.  Tell  him  I  shall  be  very  glad  to 
oblige  him." 

Bernard  went  up-stairs  and  reported  to  Mr.  Pen- 
rose. 

"  Do  you  know  this  young  man  Wentworth  ? " 
asked  Penrose. 

"  Yes,  sir.    He  is  a  very  reliable  young  man." 

"  Then  I  accept  his  offer.  Take  this  five-dollar 
bill,  and  ask  him  to  pay  Brooks  out  of  it  and  keep  the 
balance  himself." 

"  I  will,  sir." 

Bernard  delivered  his  commission,  and  Freedom 
Wentworth  started  on  his  drive. 

After  he  had  got  off  Bernard  bethought  himself  of 
a  mistake  he  had  made. 

"  I  ought  to  have  told  Freed  not  to  mention  his 


44  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

meeting  me.  If  it  gets  to  the  ears  of  Mr.  Snowdon, 
he  may  take  it  into  his  head  to  come  after  me." 

It  was  certainly  a  pity  that  Bernard  had  not  be- 
thought himself  of  this  prudent  precaution,  as  it 
proved. 

Septimus  Snowdon  was  standing  in  front  of 
Brooks'  stable  as  Wentworth  drove  up. 

"  Where  have  you  come  from  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  From  Poplar  Plains." 

"  Did  you  see  anything  of  Bernard  Brooks  on  the 
way  ? " 

"  Yes,  he  is  at  the  Poplar  Plains  Hotel.  Did  your 
father  send  him  there  ?  " 

"  Aha ! "  soliloquized  Septimus  in  exultation. 
"  I'll  tell  pa,  and  we'll  go  after  him." 

"  I  hope  I  haven't  done  Bernard  any  harm," 
thought  Freedom.  "  He's  worth  half  a  dozen  boys 
like  Septimus  Snowdon." 


CHAPTEK  YI. 


BEENAKD  S   DANGEK. 


"  By  the  way,"  said  Mr.  Penrose  suddenly,  "  it 
has  just  occurred  to  me  that  I  have  had  no  breakfast." 

"  It  is  the  same  case  with  me,"  returned  Bernard, 
smiling. 

"  Bless  my  soul !    How  hungry  you  must  be !  " 

"  Don't  you  feel  hungry,  Mr.  Penrose  ?  " 

"  Yes,  but  my  appetite  isn't  equal  to  that  of  a  grow- 
ing boy.    What  time  is  it  ?  " 

"  I  have  no  watch,  Mr.  Penrose." 

"  Then  I  will  look  at  my  own.  It  is  nine  o'clock. 
Won't  you  go  down-stairs,  Bernard,  and  ask  if  break- 
fast is  over." 

Bernard  returned  with  the  information  that  the 
regular  breakfast  was  over,  but  that  a  special  break- 
fast for  the  two  guests  would  be  ready  in  half  an 
hour. 

"  That  will  be  satisfactory." 

Bernard  thought  it  would  be  satisfactory  to  him 
also,  for  he  felt,  to  use  an  expression  of  his  own, 
"  as  hungry  as  a  bear." 

45 


46      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  both  enjoyed  their  break- 
fast. 

"  I  suppose,"  said  Mr.  Penrose,  smiling,  "  that  im- 
portant business  prevented  your  breakfasting  with 
my  old  teacher,  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  Yes,  sir ;  very  important  business." 

"  Does  he  provide  a  liberal  table  1  " 

"  Very  far  from  it,  sir." 

"  So  I  imagined ;  though  when  I  was  his  pupil,  he 
had  no  boarding  pupils.  Suppose  we  take  a  walk 
about  the  town.  I  have  never  been  in  Poplar  Plains 
before." 

"  All  right,  sir." 

It  was  two  hours  before  they  returned.  They  had 
sauntered  to  the  river  and  taken  a  seat  on  the  bank 
under  some  old  trees  that  afforded  a  grateful  shelter. 
Mr.  Penrose  found  himself  more  and  more  attracted 
by  the  frank,  open  nature  of  his  boy  companion. 

"  Really,  Bernard,"  he  said,  "  I  find  you  a  very 
agreeable  comrade.    I  am  glad  I  fell  in  with  you." 

"  I  shouldn't  think  you  would  be,  sir." 

"  Why  not  ?  " 

"  Because  Mr.  Snowdon  says  I  am  a  bad  lot." 

"  I  am  disposed  to  think  that  Mr.  Snowdon  himself 
is  a  bad  lot." 

Finally  they  rose  and  made  their  way  back  to  the 
hotel. 


BERNARD'S  DANGER.  47 

In  front  of  it  was  a  rusty-looking  chaise  drawn  by 
a  rawboned  horse,  whose  skin  was  worn  away  in  sev- 
eral places. 

Bernard  started  in  dismay. 

"Mr.  Snowdon  has  come  after  me,"  he  said 
quickly. 

"  What  makes  you  think  so  ?  " 

"  That  horse  and  carriage  is  one  that  he  always 
hires.  He  gets  it  because  he  can  hire  it  for  half  the 
price  of  a  stable  team." 

"  But  there  is  no  one  in  the  carriage." 

"  He  is  probably  in  the  hotel.  I  don't  know  what 
to  do." 

"  How  could  he  have  got  track  of  you  ?  " 

"  Freed  Wentworth  must  have  told  him  I  was  here. 
You  see,  I  forgot  to  tell  Freed  not  to  speak  of  seeing 
me.    Do  you  think  he  can  carry  me  back  ?  " 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  to  do,  Bernard,  Go  back  to  the 
river  side,  and  I  will  go  forward  and  meet  him. 
When  the  coast  is  clear  I  will  go  and  find  you." 

"  Thank  you,  sir." 

Mr.  Snowdon  and  Septimus  had  driven  up  five 
minutes  before.  They  left  the  horse  standing  in  front 
of  the  hotel  and  entered. 

"  How  do  you  do,  Mr.  Snowdon  ? "  said  the  land- 
lord.   "  What  brings  you  here  ?  " 


48  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  am  after  a  runaway  boy — one  of  my  pupils. 
I  heard  he  was  here." 

"  There  is  one  boy  staying  here,  but  he  came  with  a 
gentleman  whom  I  took  for  his  guardian." 

"  What's  his  name  ?    Let  me  look  at  your  book." 

Ezekiel  Snowdon  ran  down  the  page  with  his  lean 
forefinger.    Finally  he  came  to  the  following  entries : 

William  Penrose,  Buffalo. 

Beknard  Beooks. 

Bernard  had  not  registered  himself  from  any  place 
in  particular,  feeling  that  as  yet  he  had  no  special 
local  habitation. 

"  There  it  is !  "  said  Mr.  Snowdon  triumphantly. 
"  That's  the  boy— Bernard  Brooks." 

"  And  he  is  one  of  your  pupils  ?  " 

"  Yes,  he  ran  away  from  my  school — the  Snowdon 
Institute — this  morning." 

"  He  seemed  to  be  traveling  with  Mr.  Penrose.  He 
came  with  him  in  a  carriage." 

"  I  can't  help  that.  The  man  must  have  abducted 
him." 

"  Don't  you  think  they  had  met  before  ?  They 
seemed  to  be  well  acquainted." 

"  I  don't  know  about  that.  !N'ow,  Mr.  Wilson,  I 
want  that  boy  given  up  to  me.  I  want  to  take  him 
home." 

"  I  have  no  authority  over  him,  Mr.  Snowdon.     I 


BERNARD'S  DANGER.  49 

can't  deliver  him  into  your  hands.    I  can't  take  any 
responsibility." 

"  I'll  take  the  responsibility,"  said  Mr.  Snowdon 
impatiently.    "  Just  show  me  to  his  room." 

"  He  isn't  in  his  room." 

"  Where  is  he,  then  1  " 

''  He  went  out  to  walk  with  Mr.  Penrose  directly 
after  breakfast." 

"  Is  that  a  good  while  since  ?  " 

"  About  two  hours." 

"  Then  I  will  wait  for  him.  He  can't  be  out  mucH 
longer." 

"  That's  right,  pa,"  said  Septimus.  "  You'd  ought 
to  take  him  back  with  you.  If  he  makes  any  trouble, 
I'll  help  you." 

The  landlord  regarded  Septimus  with  a  glance  by 
no  means  flattering. 

"  Wlio  is  that  boy,  Mr.  Snowdon  ?  "  he  asked.  "  Is 
he  one  of  your  pupils  ?  " 

"  That  is  my  son,  Septimus  Snowdon,"  answered 
Ezekiel,  with  an  inflection  of  pride.  It  is  strange 
that  any  one  should  be  proud  of  such  an  unfledged 
cub  as  Septimus,  but  Mr.  Snowdon  was  influenced 
by  parental  partiality. 

Finally  the  landlord,  whose  eyes  commanded  the 
road  outside,  saw  through  the  door  the  approach  of 
Mr.  Penrose. 
4 


50      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  There's  Mr.  Penrose,"  he  said,  "  the  gentleman 
jour  pupil  came  with,  but  he  is  alone." 

"  Alone !  "  repeated  Snowdon.  "  Isn't  the  boy 
with  him  ? " 

"  No,  it  seems  not.  However,  he  will  be  here  in  a 
minute  and  you  can  talk  with  him." 

Mr.  Snowdon  advanced  to  the  door,  and  met  Mr. 
Penrose  half  way. 

"  Is  this  Mr.  Penrose  ?  "  he  asked  stiffly. 

"  The  same,  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  Ha,  you  know  my  name  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  I  know  you.  I  was  once  a  pupil  of 
yours." 

"  Is  that  so  ?    Where  ?  " 

"  Out  in  a  town  in  Illinois.  You  remember  that 
the  big  boys  rode  you  out  of  town  on  a  rail." 

"  Is  that  so,  pa  ? "  gasped  Septimus  in  horror- 
struck  amazement, 

"  I  don't  remember  anything  of  the  kind,"  said  Mr. 
Snowdon,  disconcerted.  "  You  must  have  mistaken 
the  person." 

"  K"ot  at  all.  'No  one  who  had  once  met  you  would 
be  likely  to  forget  you,  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  We  will  drop  this  subject,  if  you  please,"  said 
Snowdon  peevishly.  "  Where  is  the  boy  that  went 
out  with  you  this  morning  ?  " 

"  I  really  cannot  say." 


BERNARD'S  DANGER.  51 

•  **  That  answer  is  not  satisfactory.    Do  you  know 

who  that  boy  is  ?  " 

"  He  says  his  name  is  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  That  is  true,  and  he  is  a  pupil  of  mine." 

"  Was  a  pupil  of  yours,  like  myself  ?  " 

"  He  is  still  my  pupil.    He  was  placed  with  me  by 

his  guardian.    I  charge  you  with  abducting  him,  Mr. 

Penrose." 

"  Really,  this  is  amusing." 

"  You  won't  find  it  an  amusing  matter.    I  demand, 

where  is  the  boy  ?  " 

"  He  went  out  to  walk,  and  he  left  me." 

"  Is  he  coming  back  to  the  hotel  soon  ?  " 

"  I  can't  say.    I  have  no  authority  over  him." 

"  Can't  you  give  me  a  clue  as  to  his  whereabouts  ?  " 

"  I  might,  but  I  don't  choose  to." 

"  Mr.  Wilson,  you  hear  this  ?     You  understand 

that  this  gentleman  is  conniving  at  the  escape  of  my 

pupil." 

"  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  matter,"  said  the 

landlord. 

"  By  the  way,  Mr.  Snowdon,"  asked  Mr.  Penrose, 

"  why  did  the  boy  Bernard  run  away  from  you  ?  " 
"  Because  he's  a  bad  lot." 
"  Did  you  treat  him  kindly  ?  " 
"  I  always  treat  my  pupils  kindly,"  answered  Mr. 

Snowdon  stiffly. 


52  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  You  didn't  when  I  was  a  pupil  of  yours,  five  and 
twenty  years  ago.  However,  the  boys  didn't  treat 
you  kindly.  It  makes  me  laugh  whenever  I  think  of 
you  being  ridden  out  of  town  on  a  rail." 

"  Septimus,  go  outside !  "  said  Mr.  Snowdon,  who 
felt  sensitive  about  having  this  unpleasant  episode  in 
his  early  life  made  known  to  his  son  and  heir. 

"  I  want  to  stay  here,  pa." 

"  Go  out  at  once  or  I'll  horsewhip  you." 

Much  against  his  will,  Septimus  left  the  room.  He 
was  very  curious  to  learn  more  about  his  father's  ad- 
venture with  the  big  boys. 

Mr.  Snowdon  waited  an  hour  in  the  hope  that  Ber- 
nard would  appear,  but  in  vain.  Finally  he  sum- 
moned Septimus  reluctantly  and  started  for  home. 
He  had  ridden  about  two  miles  when  he  met  an  open 
carriage  holding  three  gentlemen.  They  stopped 
their  carriage  and  hailed  Mr.  Snowdon. 

"  Have  you  seen  anything  of  a  man  about  five  feet 
eight  inches  in  height,  rather  slender,"  began  one, 
and  continued  with  an  accurate  description  of  Mr. 
Penrose. 

"  Is  his  name  Penrose  ?  "  asked  Ezekiel. 

"  Yes." 

"  What  do  you  want  him  for  ?  " 

"  He  is  crazy.  We  want  to  take  him  to  an  asy- 
lum." 


BERNARD'S  DANGER.  53 

''He  is  at  the  hotel  in  Poplar  Plains,"  answered 
Mr.  Snowdon  eagerly.  "  He  has  abducted  a  pupil 
of  mine.  I  will  go  back  with  you.  We  shall  get  Ber- 
nard after  all,  Septimus." 

Both  carriages  started  at  a  good  rate  of  speed  for 
Poplar  Plains,  Mr.  Snowdon's  face  wreathed  with 
triumphant  smiles. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AN  UNEXPECTED  CHAMPION". 

Beenaed  posted  himself  at  a  point  where  he  could 
Tvatch  the  hotel.  When  he  saw  the  departure  of  Sep- 
timus and  his  father  he  made  his  way  back  and 
rejoined  Mr.  Penrose. 

"  The  coast  is  clear,"  said  his  elder  companion, 
with  a  smile.  "  Thanks  to  you  I  have  had  an  inter- 
view with  my  old  teacher." 

"  Did  he  remember  you  ?  " 

"  No ;  and  he  seemed  very  touchy  on  the  subject  of 
his  experiences  in  Illinois." 

"  Do  you  think  he  will  come  after  me  again  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,  but  he  certainly  appeared  very  de- 
sirous of  getting  you  back.  His  son  seemed  to  sym- 
pathize with  him.    Is  he  a  friend  of  yours  ?  " 

"  Septimus  loves  me  like  a  brother,"  laughed  Ber- 
nard. "  He  was  very  anxious  to  have  his  father  give 
me  a  horsewhipping.  I  shall  feel  glad  to  get  a  little 
farther  away  from  Doncaster  and  Snowdon  Insti- 
tute." 

"  We  will  go  to-morrow  morning.  I  should  like  to 
rest  here  one  day." 

54 


AN  UNEXPECTED  CHAMPION.  66 

The  two  were  seated  on  the  piazza  when  Bernard, 
chancing  to  look  up,  exclaimed  in  alarm,  "  There's 
Mr.  Snowdon  coming  back.  He  is  nearly  here. 
There  is  another  carriage  behind." 

Mr.  Penrose  looked  up  quickly,  and  Bernard  saw 
that  he  turned  pale. 

"  The  carriage  behind,"  he  said,  "  contains  my 
cousin,  the  man  who  is  trying  to  have  me  adjudged 
insane,  and  the  two  men  with  him  are  doubtless  doc- 
tors, medical  quacks,  whom  he  has  hired  to  certify  to 
my  insanity." 

"  Good  heavens !  Then,  you  are  in  as  great  danger 
as  I." 

"  Greater,"  answered  Mr.  Penrose,  in  a  low,  sup- 
pressed tone. 

"  Can  they  take  you  ?  " 

"  Not  legally,  but  they  will  try." 

"  Let  us  escape  while  we  can." 

"  No ;  it  would  seem  to  bear  out  their  charges. 
Besides,  they  are  too  near.  I  will  stand  my  ground. 
You  can  get  away  if  you  like." 

"  No ;  I  will  stand  by  you,  Mr.  Penrose,"  said  Ber- 
nard firmly. 

The  two  remained  seated  till  the  carriage  halted  in 
front  of  the  hotel. 

"  Aha !  "  said  the  cousin  triumphantly,  "  we  have 
run  our  fugitive  to  earth." 


66  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

He  jumped  out  of  the  carriage,  and  advanced  to 
the  piazza. 

"  So  you  are  here  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Penrose  calmly. 

"  You  escaped  my  vigilance,  and  fled  from  Buf- 
falo." 

"  Stop  there,  James  Eoque !  You  speak  as  if  I 
were  not  a  free  agent." 

"  You  are  not.    You  are  insane,  and  you  know  it." 

"  I  know  why  you  want  to  make  me  out  insane. 
You  want  to  get  possession  of  my  property." 

"  It  is  unsafe  in  your  hands.  A  lunatic  isn't  fit 
to  manage  property." 

"  I  am  no  lunatic,  nor  would  you  try  to  prove  me 
so,  if  I  were  poor.    Why  did  you  pursue  me  ?  " 

"  Because  you  are  not  fit  to  be  at  large." 

"  I  am  as  sane  as  you  are.  Your  unprincipled 
attempt  to  deprive  me  of  my  liberty  shows  that  you 
ought  to  be  locked  up." 

"  Of  course  I  may  be  wrong,  but  I  am  willing  to 
abide  by  the  verdict  of  experts,  I  have  brought  with 
me  two  distinguished  physicians,  who  will  examine 
you,  and  decide  whether  you  are  or  are  not  in  your 
right  mind.  Dr.  Brown  and  Dr.  Jones,  will  you 
kindly  approach  and  give  your  opinion  as  to  the  con- 
dition of  my  unfortunate  cousin  ?  " 

The  two  doctors  descended  from  the  carriage  and 


AN  UNEXPECTED  CHAMPION.  5Y 

approached  the  piazza.  They  were  dressed  in  shabby 
black,  and  eyed  Penrose  furtively.  Brown  was  tho 
first  to  speak. 

"  Your  cousin,"  he  said,  "  affords  every  indication 
of  insanity.    What  say  you,  Dr.  Jones  ?  " 

"  I  fully  agree  with  you,"  replied  Dr.  Jones,  in  a 
nasal  tone. 

"  I  see,  gentlemen,  you  have  got  the  whole  thing 
cut  and  dried,"  said  William  Penrose,  in  a  tone  of 
agitation.  "  These  tools  of  yours  have  learned  their 
part  well.  All  they  need  is  to  look  at  me  to  pronounce 
me  insane.  Even  a  renowned  doctor  would  hardly 
venture  to  come  to  so  quick  a  decision  merely  from  a 
momentary  inspection." 

"  They  have  both  been  connected  with  establish- 
ments for  the  insane.  I  have  called  them  as  experts 
who  cannot  be  deceived." 

"  What  do  you  pay  them  for  aiding  and  abetting 
you  in  this  villainy  ?  " 

By  this  time  Mr.  Wilson,  the  landlord,  appeared 
upon  the  scene.  He  looked  from  one  to  the  other 
in  surprise. 

"  What  does  all  this  mean  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Merely  that  you  have  been  harboring  a  lunatic," 
said  James  Boque. 

"  Who  is  a  lunatic  ?  " 

"William  Penrose." 


68      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  cannot  believe  it." 

"  It  is  hard  to  believe.  Like  all  of  his  class  he  is 
very  cunning.  Why,  should  you  keep  him  here,  he 
might  set  fire  to  your  house  during  the  night." 

"  Is  this  true  ?  "  asked  the  landlord,  who  was  a 
timid  man. 

"  It  is  a  base  lie !  "  exclaimed  Penrose  indignantly. 
"  Don't  believe  him.  He  wants  to  have  me  adjudged 
insane  that  he  may  get  control  of  my  property." 

The  landlord  looked  bewildered. 

"  Is  that  true  ? "  he  repeated  doubtfully. 

"  'No,  it  is  a  lie.  My  poor  cousin  has  no  property. 
He  is  dependent  upon  me.  I  am  willing  to  pay  his 
expenses  in  an  asylum,  and  this  is  his  return." 

"  Heaven  give  me  patience!  "  ejaculated  Penrose. 
"  This  black  villain  is  lying  in  an  infamous  manner. 
He  is  himself  a  man  of  no  means,  and  wants  to  get 
possession  of  my  fortune." 

"  Dr.  Brown,  is  this  true  ? "  asked  James  Eoque, 
turning  to  his  subservient  tool. 

"  No,"  answered  Brown,  shaking  his  head. 

"  The  man  doesn't  know  me,"  said  Mr.  Penrose  in 
a  tone  of  contempt.    "  I  never  saw  him  before." 

"  I  used  to  go  to  school  with  him,"  retorted  Brown, 
unabashed. 

"  I  see  you  are  determined  to  lie  it  out." 

"  I  appeal  to  my  distinguished  brother.  Dr.  Jones." 


AN  UNEXPECTED  CHAMPION.  69 

"  You  are  quite  right,  Dr.  Brovm.  We  both  know 
Mr.  Penrose." 

"  You  will  bear  me  out  in  my  statement,"  inter- 
posed Eoque,  "that  he  escaped  from  the  asylum  in 
Buffalo  where  I  recently  placed  him  ?  " 

"  Certainly." 

"  I  was  never  in  an  asylum !  "  said  William  Pen- 
rose. 

"  Really,  gentlemen "  put  in  the  landlord. 

"  My  dear  sir,  I  will  see  that  your  bill  is  paid," 
said  James  Roque,  "  but  I  depend  upon  you  not  to 
interfere  with  me,  now  that  I  have  succeeded  in  over- 
taking my  unfortunate  cousin." 

"  Of  course,  if  what  you  say  is  true " 

"  Don't  these  eminent  physicians  substantiate  my 
statement  ? " 

"  To  be  sure,"  said  the  landlord,  who  was  greatly 
influenced  by  the  assurance  that  his  bill  would  be 
paid. 

"  I  see  you  take  a  sensible  view.  William  Pen- 
rose, you  must  go  back  with  us." 

"  ITever !  "  exclaimed  Penrose  vehemently. 

"  You  see  his  excitement.  Can  there  be  any 
clearer  indication  of  insanity?  Dr.  Brown  and  Dr. 
Jones,  give  me  your  assistance,  and  we  will  secure  my 
unfortunate  cousin.  Bring  the  cord  from  the  car- 
riage." 


60      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Dr.  Brown  produced  a  stout  cord  which  the  party 
had  brought  with  them,  and  the  precious  trio  ap- 
proached their  unfortunate  victim. 

"  Mr.  Wilson,"  exclaimed  Penrose,  "  will  you 
stand  by  and  allow  such  an  outrage  to  be  enacted 
under  your  own  roof  ?  " 

"  I  think  you  had  better  go  with  your  cousin,"  said 
the  landlord  soothingly.  "  As  you  are  crazy,  it  will 
be  better  for  you." 

"  But  I  am  not  crazy." 

"  Undoubtedly  the  man  is  crazy,"  broke  in  Mr. 
Snowdon.  "  I  have  had  an  interview  with  him  in 
which  he  claimed  to  be  a  former  pupil  of  mine,  and 
told  an  absurd  story  of  my  being  ridden  on  a  rail." 

"  I  see  you  are  a  sensible  man,"  said  James  Roque. 
"  I  might  have  known  as  much  from  your  intelligent 
appearance." 

"  Moreover  he  has  aided  and  abetted  a  pupil  of 
mine  to  escape  from  my  rightful  authority." 

"  The  case  seems  to  be  pretty  clear,"  said  Roque, 
with  a  malicious  smile.  "  Cousin  Penrose,  you  may 
as  well  resign  yourself  to  circumstances.  You  must 
go  back  with  us.  I  trust  you  will  not  compel  us  to 
use  force.  Come,  gentlemen,  whatever  is  to  be  done 
must  be  done  quickly." 

"  Stop  a  minute,  gentlemen !  "  said  the  landlord. 
"  You  promised  to  pay  my  bill." 


AN  UNEXPECTED  CHAMPION.  61 

"  I  will  do  it  as  soon  as  my  cousin  is  secured. 
You  don't  want  me  to  leave  him  here  to  burn  down 
the  house  about  your  ears  ?  " 

"  JSTo,  no !  "  said  the  landlord  hastily. 

"  Come  along,  gentlemen !  " 

The  three  closed  in  about  William  Penrose,  and 
producing  the  cord  were  about  to  tie  him  when  ho 
called  out  in  desperation,  "  Will  no  one  save  me 
from  these  villains  ?  " 

"  I  will  help  you !  "  said  Bernard,  kicking  Dr. 
Brown  in  the  shins  with  such  force  that  he  dropped 
the  cord,  and  yelled  with  pain. 

"  xind  I,  too !  "  added  a  new  voice. 

All  eyes  were  turned  upon  a  long,  wiry,  loos(» 
jointed  man,  an  unmistakable  Yankee,  dressed  as  a 
Western  miner,  who  had  been  sitting  on  the  piazza, 
and  had  been  an  interested  witness  of  what  had  been 
going  on. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE  CONSPIRATORS  ARE  FOILED. 

RoQUE  and  the  doctors  loosened  their  hold  of  Wil- 
liam Penrose  when  they  heard  the  new  voice.  Then 
Roque  in  a  supercilious  tone  said,  "  You  had  better 
attend  to  your  business  if  you  have  any." 

He  clutched  his  cousin  once  more. 

"  Let  us  lose  no  time,"  he  whispered  to  the  doc- 
tors. 

"  Look  here !  "  said  the  miner,  striding  to  the 
group,  "  you're  trying  to  kidnap  an  inoffensive  man, 
and  are  going  clear  against  the  law.  This  is  a  free 
country,  and  it  can't  be  done." 

"  Sir,"  said  Roque,  "  this  is  an  escaped  lunatic, 
and  I  propose  to  carry  him  back  to  the  asylum.  I 
don't  owe  you  any  explanation,  but  I  don't  mind 
telling  you  that.    Now,  get  out  of  the  way !  " 

"  He's  no  more  a  lunatic  that  I  am." 

"  Thank  you,  sir,"  said  Penrose,  with  reviving 
hope.  "  It  is  a  cruel  attempt  at  abduction.  Save 
me  from  a  fate  worse  than  death." 

^*  I  will !  "  responded  the  Yankee  miner  resolutely, 
62 


THE  CONSPIRATORS  ARE  FOILED.  63 

"  No  man  is  going  to  be  abducted  when  Josh  Stack- 
pole  is  around." 

'*  Clear  out !  "  said  James  Koque,  incensed. 
"  Clear  out,  or " 

"Or  what?" 

"  I'll  have  you  arrested." 

"  And  I'd  have  you  lynched  if  you  were  out  in 
Colorado." 

"  You  are  officious  and  impertinent." 

"  Call  me  all  the  hard  names  you  like,  squire.  It 
-won't  do  me  any  harm." 

"  I  will  do  you  harm.  Landlord,  are  you  going  to 
permit  this  impertinent  person  to  interfere  with 
me  ?  " 

"  Eeally,  gentlemen,  I  don't  know  what  to  say," 
answered  the  landlord,  who  was  a  weak  and  vacil- 
lating man.     "  If  I  knew  the  law " 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  the  law  is,"  said  the  miner. 
"  Before  I  went  out  West  I  spent  a  year  in  a  law 
office  at  Burlington,  Vermont.  These  men  haven't 
ehown  any  papers — they  haven't  proved  this  gentle- 
man to  be  out  of  his  mind.  It's  just  a  high-handed 
violation  of  the  law  they  are  trying." 

"  In  that  case,  I  guess  you'd  better  stop,"  said  thp 
landlord.     "  This  gentleman  is  probably  right,  and 


"  He's     a     fool ! "     interposed     Eoque     angrily. 


64      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Haven't  these  eminent  physicians  declared  my 
cousin  to  be  a  lunatic  ?  " 

"  They  look  more  like  tramps  than  eminent  physi- 
cians," remarked  Joshua  Stackpole. 

"  We  have  wasted  time  enough  with  this  fool,'' 
said  Roque.  "  Dr.  Brown,  take  one  arm,  and  you. 
Dr.  Jones,  take  the  other,  and  w^e  will  soon  put  an 
end  to  this  foolery." 

"  Do  it  at  your  peril !  "  exclaimed  Joshua  Stack- 
pole  sternly.  ^ 

The  doctors  looked  somewhat  apprehensive,  but  at 
a  nod  from  James  Roque,  and  confident  in  the  reali- 
zation that  they  were  three  to  one,  they  proceeded  to 
obey  orders.     Then  something  unexpected  happened. 

Joshua  Stackpole  sprang  upon  James  Eoque  and 
pitched  him  headlong  from  the  piazza.  Then  he 
started  for  Dr.  Brown,  and  that  luckless  physician 
followed  his  principal. 

The  miner  was  about  to  turn  his  attention  to  Dr. 
Jones  when  the  latter  threw  up  his  hands. and  begged 
for  mercy. 

"  This  is  an  outrage !  "  exclaimed  Mr.  Snowdon, 
much  disconcerted.  "  Isn't  there  a  constable  at  hand, 
landlord,  to  arrest  this  bold  ruffian  ?  Bernard  Brooks, 
I  want  you." 

"  Aha !  "  said  Stackpole,  "  what  do  you  want  him 
for  ?     Is  he  another  lunatic  ?  " 


THE  CONSPIRATORS  ARE  FOILED.  65 

"  1^0 ;  but  he  is  my  pupil,  who  has  rebelled  against 
my  lawful  authority,  and  run  away  from  his  happy 
home  at  Snowdon  Institute." 

"  How  is  that,  sonny  ?  "  asked  Joshua  Stackpole. 

"  He  tried  to  horsewhip  me,"  said  Bernard. 

"  And  I  will  do  it  yet,"  cried  Mr.  Snowdon,  with 
more  anger  than  prudence. 

"  Ha !  It  seems  there  is  more  work  for  me  to  do. 
You  are  an  old  man,  and  I  don't  want  to  hurt  you, 
but  if  you  don't  get  into  your  wagon  and  hurry  home, 
I'll " 

Joshua  Stackpole  looked  so  determined  that  Mr. 
Snowdon  was  alarmed. 

"  Come,  Septimus,"  he  said ;  "  we'd  better  be  go- 
ing. I'll  go  to  a  magistrate  and  get  a  warrant  for 
this  man's  arrest." 

By  this  time  James  Eoque  had  risen  from  his  re- 
cumbent position. 

"  Dr.  Brown  and  Dr.  Jones,"  he  exclaimed  in  a 
passion,  "  are  we  to  be  worsted  by  a  single  man  ? 
Seize  William  Penrose." 

"  Excuse  me ! "  said  Dr.  Brown,  rubbing  his 
shins. 

"  And  me,  too !  "  added  Dr.  Jones,  with  an  appre- 
hensive look  at  Joshua  Stackpole. 

"  Sir,"  said  James  Eoque,  addressing  Mr.  Snow- 


66      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

don,  "  as  I  can  get  no  help  from  these  cowards,  will 
you  lend  me  your  co-operation  ?  " 

"  I  wish  you  success,  sir,"  replied  Snowdon  hur- 
riedly, "  but  I  ought  to  return  to  Snowdon  Institute, 
where  my  presence  is  imperatively  required." 

"  I  think,  squire,  you'd  better  give  it  up  for  a  bad 
job,"  said  Stackpole.  "  If  you  make  another  attempt 
to  abduct  this  man  I'll  treat  you  worse  than  be- 
fore." 

With  a  look  of  baffled  rage  James  Eoque  entered 
his  carriage,  followed  by  the  two  doctors. 

"  You  have  escaped  this  time,"  he  said  to  William 
Penrose,  "  but  I  will  have  you  yet." 

Penrose  shuddered  as  he  saw  the  evil  look  on  his 
cousin's  face. 

"  IVe  got  something  to  say  to  that,  squire,"  re=- 
marked  Joshua  Stackpole  coolly.  "  Do  you  see 
that  ?  "  and  he  displayed  a  revolver. 

"  Don't  shoot !  "  exclaimed  James  Roque,  falling 
back,  his  face  assuming  a  sickly  pallor. 

"  I  don't  intend  to — now,"  said  Stackpole  com- 
posedly, "  but  I  can't  answer  for  what  I  would  do  if 
I  heard  of  your  trying  to  abduct  your  cousin." 

"  I  should  like  to  lock  you  up  in  an  insane  asy- 
lum," said  Roque,  with  an  ugly  look. 

"  So  you  think  me  insane,  do  ypu  ?  " 

"  You  are  stark,  staring  mad !  " 


THE  CONSPIRATORS  ARE  FOILED.  67 

"  Thank  you,  squire.  If  I  should  happen  to  shoot 
you  accidentally,  that'll  let  me  off." 

James  Eoque  did  not  think  it  wise  to  reply,  but 
drove  off  hurriedly. 

"  My  friend,"  said  Penrose,  offering  his  hand, 
"  you  have  done  me  a  great  favor.  But  for  you  that 
man  would  have  carried  me  to  an  asylum." 

"  What  is  his  object  ?  " 

"  Unfortunately  I  am  rich  and  he  is  poor.  As  a 
near  relative,  he  wants  to  get  control  of  my  property. 
Yoijr  brave  interference  has  saved  me." 

"  Don't  mention  it !  There  wasn't  anything  brave 
about  it.  The  whole  pack  of  them  are  cowards. 
Have  those  doctors  ever  seen  you  before  ?  " 

"  mver." 

"  Yet  after  a  mere  glance  they  are  ready  to  pro- 
nounce you  insane.  I  don't  believe  they  are  doctors 
at  all." 

"  Nor  I.  They  are  tools  of  my  cousin.  But  noth- 
ing is  easier  than  to  throw  a  sane  man  into  an  asylum 
on  the  evidence  of  such  creatures." 

"  They'd  have  a  lively  time  making  out  me  to  be 
insane." 

"  James  Roque  says  you  are  stark,  staring  mad," 
said  Penrose,  with  a  smile. 

"  He'd  have  reason  to  think  so  if  I  got  hold  of 


68      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

him,"  returned  Stackpole  grimly.  "  And  now,  my 
friend,  I  am  going  to  give  you  a  piece  of  advice." 

"  ^^Tiat  is  it  ?  " 

"  Get  out  of  this  as  soon  as  you  can.  There's  an 
ugly  look  about  your  cousin's  face,  and  he  may  make 
you  trouble  yet.  Of  course,  he  has  no  legal  right  to 
interfere  with  you,  but  that  won't  stop  a  man  like 
him.    He  hasn't  got  hold  of  your  property  yet  ?  " 

"  E'o." 

"  Then  if  you  have  money  at  command,  go  off 
where  he  will  not  be  able  to  track  you.  Why  not  go 
to  Europe,  or  to  Colorado,  my  State  ?  If  he  tried  any 
of  his  tricks  there,  we'd  soon  stop  him  with  a  rope." 

"  Your  advice  is  good  and  I  will  follow  it.  But. 
I  don't  like  to  leave  my  young  friend  here.  He,  too, 
is  in  a  tight  place." 

"  Don't  trouble  about  him.  I'll  look  after  him  for 
a  time.  It  will  be  better  for  you  to  part,  as  your 
cousin  will  probably  describe  you  as  traveling  in  his 
company." 

"  All  right !  I  will  make  my  way  at  once  to  New 
York  and  take  passage  for  Europe.  I  have  long  in- 
tended to  go  there,  and  this  is  a  favorable  opportun- 
ity. But  I  must  first  show  my  good  will  to  Bernard 
by  offering  him  this." 

He  drew  a  ten-dollar  bill  from  his  pocketbook  and 
handed  it  to  Bernard. 


THE  CONSPIRATORS  ARE  FOILED.  69 

"  Ouglat  I  to  take  so  much,  Mr.  Penrose  ? "  asked 
Bernard,  in  a  tone  of  hesitation. 

"  I  am  rich.  I  can  spare  it,"  said  William  Pen- 
rose.    "  You  need  not  hesitate." 

"  Then,  I  will  take  it  with  thanks,  for  I  have  got 
to  make  my  own  way,  and  I  have  no  one  to  depend 
upon.  My  guardian  will  be  angry  when  he  learns 
that  I  have  run  away  from  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  You  can  adopt  me  for  your  guardian  for  a  short 
time,"  said  Mr.  Stackpole.  "  And  now  I  move  that 
we  get  away  from  Poplar  Plains  as  soon  as  possible." 

A  carriage  was  secured,  and  within  fifteen  minutes 
the  three  were  on  their  way  to  the  nearest  railroad 
statioH. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ON  THE   HUDSON  KIVEE  BOAT. 

William  Penkose  kept  on  his  way  to  New  York, 
but  Bernard  and  Mr.  Stackpole  stopped  at  Albany. 

"  I  have  a  little  business  to  attend  to  here,"  said 
Mr.  Stackpole,  "  so  if  you  don't  mind,  we'll  stay  oyer 
here  a  day." 

"  All  right,  sir ;  I  have  no  pressing  business  to 
hurry  me  on.  I  have  never  been  in  Albany,  and  shall 
be  glad  to  go  about  and  see  the  city." 

The  next  morning  they  took  the  day  boat  down  the 
Hudson.  The  great  steamer  was  a  floating  palace, 
and  had  every  accommodation  that  could  be  desired. 

Just  before  going  aboard  Bernard  bought  from  a 
newsboy  a  copy  of  the  Albany  Argus.  He  glanced 
rapidly  over  the  contents  of  the  paper,  and  his  at- 
tention was  arrested  by  the  account  of  the  mysterious 
disappearance  of  a  package  of  government  bonds — 
five  thousand  dollars — from  the  banking  house  of 
Murdock  &  Co. 

"  The  loss  was  not  discovered  till  about  the  close 
of  business,"  said  the  account.    "  ISTo  one  in  the  office 

70 


ON  THE  HUDSON  RIVER  BOAT.  71 

could  throw  any  light  upon  the  matter.  Whether  it 
was  an  employee  or  an  outside  party  is  uncertain. 
Mr.  Murdock  remembers  seeing  the  package  on  a 
desk,  but  assuming  that  the  clerk  was  preparing  to- 
put  it  in  the  safe,  gave  no  more  thought  to  it  till  it 
was  found  to  be  missing.  Detectives  have  the  mat- 
ter in  charge,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  thief  will  be 
captured  within  twenty-four  hours." 

Bernard  read  the  account  with  languid  interest. 
He  knew  none  of  the  parties,  and  had  no  special 
reason  to  dwell  on  the  paragraph. 

"  Will  you  allow  me  to  look  at  your  paper  ?  "  asked 
a  young  man  of  twenty-five,  dressed  in  showy  style, 
and  carrying  a  small  satchel  in  his  hand. 

"  Certainly,  sir,"  answered  Bernard  politely. 

"  Anything  interesting  in  it  ?  "  asked  the  young 
man  languidly. 

"  There  is  an  account  of  the  theft  of  some  govern- 
ment bonds  from  Murdock  &  Co." 

"  Ah,  that  is  a  prominent  house !  " 

"  I  don't  know  anything  about  Albany  firms,"  said 
Bernard. 

"  Then  you  don't  live  in  Albany  ? " 

"  I  never  saw  the  city  till  yesterday." 

The  young  man  read  the  paragraph. 

"  Rather  a  clever  robbery,"  he  said,  in  a  tone  of  in- 
difference. 


72      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  think  any  robbery  is  foolish,"  responded  Ber- 
nard. 

"  Yes,  of  course ;  that  is  the  proper  view  to  take 
of  it.    1  suppose  you  attend  Sunday  school  ?  " 

There  was  a  lurking  sneer  in  the  young  man's 
tone,  as  Bernard  thought. 

"  I  am  not  connected  with  a  Sunday  school  at  pres- 
ent," he  said. 

"  I  don't  think  Sunday  school  boys  are  better  than 
any  other." 

"  They  ought  to  be." 

"  True,  but  we  have  to  consider  facts.  Won't  you 
go  down-stairs  and  drink  a  glass  of  beer  ?  " 

"  IsTo,  thank  you." 

"  Oh,  I  forgot  that  you  were  a  Sunday  school  boy. 
Well,  ta,  ta !    I'll  see  you  again." 

There  was  something  peculiar  about  the  young 
man.  Though  it  was  a  warm  day  he  wore  an  ulster, 
which  he  never  took  oif.  Then  he  carried  round  his 
portmanteau  with  him  all  the  time. 

During  the  next  two  or  three  hours  Bernard  saw 
him  several  times. 

There  was  something  else  also  that  drew  his  at- 
tention to  the  young  man.  He  scanned  his  fellow  pas- 
sengers attentively,  rather  as  if  he  was  afraid  of 
meeting  some  objectionable  person.    He  seemed  very 


ON  THE  HUDSON  RIVER  BOAT.  73 

restless  also.  He  would  seldom  stay  more  than  fifteen 
minutes  in  one  spot. 

Bernard  had  asked  him  his  destination,  but  he 
evaded  a  straightforward  reply. 

"  I  am  going  wherever  the  boat  does,"  he  said, 
with  a  smile.     "  How  is  it  with  you  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  I  shall  land  in  New  York." 

"  Do  you  know  any  one  there  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  know  Mr.  Cornelius  McCracken." 

"  Never  heard  of  him.    Is  he  an  uncle  of  yours  ?  " 

"  No,  he  is  my  guardian." 

"  Your  guardian  ?  "  repeated  the  young  man,  with 
interest.     "  Then  you  have  property  ?  " 

"  I  don't  think  so.  Mr.  McCracken  says  I  have 
none." 

"  Then  what  is  the  use  of  a  guardian  ? " 

"  Not  much.     Probably  he  will  throw  me  off." 

"  Why  ? " 

"  Because  I  have  run  away  from  a  school  where 
he  placed  me." 

"  Humph !    Why  did  you  do  that  ? " 

"  I  was  not  well  treated.  The  teacher  wanted  to 
whip  me." 

"  And  you  objected  ?  "  said  the  young  man,  laugh- 
ing. 

"  Yes." 

"  I  can't  blame  yon.  I  should  have  acted  in  the 


74    -  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

same  way  probably.  Wlio  is  that  man  I  have  seen 
with  you — he  looks  like  a  Yankee." 

"  He  is  an  acquaintance  I  made  yesterday." 

^'  Are  you  traveling  with  him  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  He  has  a  Western  look." 

"  I  think  he  has  been  a  miner  in  Colorado." 

"  So.    Has  he  much  money,  do  you  think  ?  " 

Bernard  began  to  think  his  companion  too  inquisi^ 
tive,  and  he  answered  shortly,  "  I  don't  know." 

"  Hasn't  told  you,  1  suppose.  Well,  I  shouldn't 
mind  going  out  West  myself  and  trying  mining." 

"  What  business  are  you  in  ?  "  asked  Beimard, 
thinking  he  had  a  right  to  ask  questions  also. 

"  I  am  a  traveling  man,"  answered  the  young  man, 
after  a  slight  hesitation. 

They  passed  iN'ewburg  early  in  the  afternoon. 
Shortly  after  reaching  this  place,  as  Bernard  was  sit- 
ting on  a  bench  on  the  upper  deck,  his  friend  in  the 
ulster  came  up  to  him  hurriedly. 

"  Please  take  charge  of  my  portmanteau  a  few 
minutes,"  he  said,  "  if  it  won't  be  too  much  trouble." 

"  Xo  trouble  at  all,"  replied  Bernard  politely. 

The  portmanteau  was  a  small  one,  and  it  was  hard 
to  conjecture  from  its  appearance  what  it  might  con- 
tain. Upon  this  point,  however,  Bernard  was  not 
curious. 


ON  THE  HUDSON  RIVER  BOAT.  75 

"  It  can't  contain  anything  very  valuable,"  he  re- 
flected, "  or  the  owner  would  hardly  trust  a  stranger 
with  it." 

They  reached  Newburg,  and  remained  some  time. 
Bernard  thought  of  going  down  to  the  lower  deck, 
but  it  occurred  to  him  that  the  owner  of  the  port- 
manteau might  come  back  for  it  and  be  unable  to  find 
him.  This  was  rather  embarrassing  and  he  felt  sorry 
that  he  had  been  so  obliging  as  to  assume  charge  of 
property  not  his  own. 

As  they  left  l^ewburg  he  went  to  the  rear  part  of 
the  boat,  and  took  a  look  at  the  place.  He  knew  from 
the  history  he  studied  in  school  that  Washington  had 
at  one  time  had  his  headquarters  here.  If  there  had 
been  time  he  would  have  liked  to  have  gone  on  shore. 
But  even  then  he  could  hardly  have  done  so  with  the 
portmanteau  in  charge. 

He  fixed  his  eyes  carelessly  upon  the  historic  town, 
not  expecting  to  see  anything  of  special  interest. 

He  was  destined  to  a  great  surprise.  There  on  the 
pier  stood  the  young  man  in  the  ulster.  He  could  not 
mistake  him.  Not  alone  the  ulster,  but  the  scanty 
yellowish  mustache  and  pallid  complexion  betrayed 
him. 

"  He  must  have  been  left  behind !  "  thought  Ber- 
nard, "  and  I  have  his  portmanteau  !  " 

He  took  another  look  at  the  young  man  in  the 


76      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

ulster.  Certainly  be  betrayed  no  signs  of  baving 
been  left  against  bis  will.  He  stood  in  a  careless 
position  witb  a  quiet  and  composed  face,  looking  at 
tbe  great  steamer  as  it  steadily  widened  tbe  dis- 
tance between  bim  and  bis  late  companion. 

Bernard  was  very  mucb  puzzled. 

"  He  doesn't  seem  to  care.  Does  be  remember  tbat 
I  bave  bis  portmanteau?  "  be  asked  bimself. 

He  tried  to  attract  tbe  young  man's  attention,  but 
in  vain. 

"  What  sball  I  do  ?  "  be  asked  bimself.  "  I  don't 
know  the  name  of  tbe  man  wbo  intrusted  me  witb  tbe 
valise.     I  wonder  if  tbere  is  any  name  on  it." 

He  examined  it,  but  found  notbing  to  indicate  tbe 
identity  of  tbe  owner. 

"  I  must  ask  Mr.  Stackpole  wbat  to  do,"  thought 
Bernard.  "  It  is  certainly  a  queer  position  to  be  in. 
I  may  find  it  necessary  to  open  the  portmanteau,  and 
ascertain  tbe  contents." 

He  looked  around  the  boat  in  search  of  Mr.  Stack- 
pole  ;  but  tbe  steamer  was  large  and  quite  crowded. 
Then  tbere  were  so  many  divisions  to  it  tbat  somehow 
be  missed  seeing  bis  mining  friend.  There  was  noth- 
ing now  to  interfere  with  his  going  where  be  liked,  as 
there  was  no  chance  of  the  young  man  in  the  ulster 
looking  for  bim. 

At  length  be  sat  down  again,  and  became  interested 


A  small  man  dressed  in  a  drab  suit  stepped  up  to  Bernard  and  said,  "Young 
man,  I  would  like  to  examine  that  portmanteau.  "—Paf?e  77. 

Bernard  Brooks''  Adventures, 


ON  THE  HUDSON  RIVER  BOAT.  77 

in  a  German  family  where  there  were  three  or  four 
young  children.  He  got  on  quite  sociable  terms  with 
a  roguish  looking  young  boy  named  Herman.  Ber- 
nard was  fond  of  children,  and  easily  won  their  sym- 
pathy and  attachment. 

A  small  man  dressed  in  a  drab  suit  came  up-stairs 
and  looked  keenly  about  him.  Finally  his  glance 
rested  upon  Bernard  and  his  portmanteau. 

He  stepped  up  to  Bernard  and  said,  in  a  tone  of 
quiet  authority,  "  Young  man,  I  would  like  to  ex- 
amine that  portmanteau." 

Bernard  looked  up  in  surprise. 

"  The  portmanteau  is  not  mine,"  he  said.  "  What 
do  you  want  of  it  ?  " 

"  Nevertheless,  I  must  look  at  it." 

Bernard  still  hesitated. 

"  Come,"  said  the  other  firmly,  "  it  won't  be  wise 
for  you  to  object,    I  am  a  detective." 


CHAPTEE  X. 

HATCH^  DETECTIVE. 

Bernard  was  startled.  He  had  heard  of  detectives 
and  read  about  them,  but  this  was  the  first  time  he 
had  been  brought  face  to  face  with  one.  It  must 
he  confessed  that  the  quiet  little  man  hardly  came 
up  to  his  expectations. 

"  You  can  open  it  if  you  like,"  he  said. 

"  Where  is  the  key  ?  " 

"  I  haven't  got  it." 

"  Young  man,"  said  the  detective  sternly,  "  I  ad- 
vise you  not  to  throw  any  obstacles  in  my  way.  It 
may  do  you  harm." 

"  But,"  said  Bernard  earnestly,  "  I  am  speaking 
the  truth.  The  owner  of  the  portmanteau  no  doubt 
has  the  key,  but  he  didn't  give  it  to  me." 

"  The  owner  ?     Isn't  it  yours  ?  " 

"  1^0,  sir." 

"  Whose  is  it,  then  ?  " 

"  It  belongs  to  a  young  man  in  an  ulster,  who 
handed  it  to  me  for  safe  keeping." 

78 


HATCH,  DETECTIVE.  79 

"  Where  is  the  young  man  ?  "  asked  the  detective 
searchingly, 

"  He  got  off  at  ITewbiirg." 

"  Leaving  the  portmanteau  with  you  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  When  is  he  going  to  get  it  back  from  you  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know." 

"  And  you  don't  know  his  name  ?  " 

"  1^0,  sir." 

"  That  seems  a  very  probable  story.  Young  man, 
there  seems  to  be  a  good  deal  that  you  don't  know. 
How  long  have  you  known  the  young  man  you  speak 
of?" 

"  Only  since  I  came  on  board  the  boat." 

"  I  will  open  the  satchel  and  then  will  question  you 
further." 

He  drew  from  his  pocket  a  bunch  of  keys,  and 
finally  found  one  that  fitted  the  lock.  Opening  the 
portmanteau,  he  drew  out  some  bonds. 

"  Aha !  "  he  said,  "  it  is  as  I  suspected.  These  are 
some  of  the  bonds  that  were  stolen  from  Murdock  & 
Co.  yesterday." 

"  Is  it  possible  ? "  asked  Bernard,  in  amazement. 
"  That  is  the  robbery  I  was  reading  about  in  the 

"  Exactly,"  said  the  detective,  with  a  sharp  look. 
"  Where  are  the  rest  ?  " 


80      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

''  Where  are  the  rest  ?    I  am  sure  I  don't  know." 

"  Young  man,  there  is  no  use  in  trying  to  deceive 
me." 

"  I  am  not  deceiving  you.  It  is  as  much  a  mystery 
to  me  as  to  you." 

"  Here  are  fifteen  hundred  dollars  in  bonds.  The 
amount  taken  was  five  thousand.  That  leaves  a  bal- 
ance of  thirty-five  hundred  dollars." 

"  The  young  man  must  have  taken  them  out  and 
concealed  them  in  his  ulster." 

"  So  he  wore  an  ulster  ?  "  said  the  detective,  who 
had  not  at  first  noted  this  item  in  Bernard's  descrip- 
tion. 

"  Yes.    I  told  you  so." 

"  You  may  be  right.  On  such  a  warm  day  as  this 
he  would  not  have  worn  an  ulster  unless  he  had  some 
object  in  it.    You  say  he  got  off  at  ISTewburg  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Did  he  tell  you  he  was  going  to  do  so  ?  " 

"  1^0.  He  only  told  me  to  keep  the  portmanteau 
for  him." 

"  Then  how  did  you  know  he  got  off  there  ?  " 

"  After  the  steamer  had  started  I  saw  him  on  the 
wharf." 

"  Did  he  look  as  if  he  had  got  left  ?  " 

"  No.  He  looked  as  if  he  had  decided  to  remain 
there." 


HATCH,  DETECTIVE.  81 

*'  You  positively  know  nothing  of  this  man  ?  " 

"  No,  sir." 

"  How  do  you  account  for  his  leaving  the  portman- 
teau in  your  charge  ?  " 

"  We  had  sat  and  talked  together  considerably. 
Perhaps  he  wanted  to  have  it  found  on  me,"  suggested 
Bernard,  with  a  sudden  thought. 

"  This  may  be,  although  it  looks  queer.  I  shall 
have  to  place  you  under  arrest." 

"  Why  ?  "  asked  Bernard,  in  alarm. 

"  Because  I  have  found  a  portion  of  the  missing 
securities  in  your  possession." 

"  But  I  told  you  how  that  happened." 

"  Very  true,  and  your  accoimt  may  be  correct — 
or  it  may  not." 

"  You  will  find  it  is." 

"  What's  your  name  ?  " 

"  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  Where  are  you  going  ?  " 

"  To  New  York." 

"  What  friends  have  you  there  ?  " 

"  A  guardian." 

"  His  name." 

"  Cornelius  McCracken." 

"  Are  you  alone  on  the  boat  ?  " 

"  No,  sir.    I  have  a  friend  with  me — Mr.  Joshua 
Stackpole.     There  he  comes  now." 
6 


82  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Mr.  Stackpole  looked  surprised  as  lie  saw  Bernard 
and  the  detective  together. 

"  What's  all  this  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Mr.  Stackpole,  I  have  been  under  the  painful 
necessity  of  arresting  your  young  friend." 

"  Arresting  Bernard  ?  What  on  earth  has  he  been 
doing  ?  " 

"  I  have  found  some  of  the  bonds  taken  from  Mur- 
dock  &  Co.  in  his  possession." 

Mr.  Stackpole  looked  the  picture  of  amaze- 
ment. 

"  Well,  that  beats  me !  "  he  exclaimed.  "  Where 
did  you  get  them,  Bernard  ?  " 

"  A  young  man  in  an  ulster  gave  me  the  portman- 
teau which  contained  them,  and  asked  me  to  keep 
them  for  him." 

"  That's  straight.  I  saw  the  young  man  myself, 
and  I  saw  the  portmanteau  in  his  hand.  He  landed 
at  Newburg;  I  saw  him  on  the  wharf." 

"  Yes." 

"  Why  did  he  land  without  them  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know." 

"  A  part  of  the  bonds  were  found  in  the  portman- 
teau— a  little  less  than  one-third,"  said  the  detective. 
"  The  rest " 

"  Are  probably  in  the  young  man's  possession." 

"  I  presume  so." 


HATCH,  DETECTIVE.  83 

"  Very  well !  Of  course,  you  know  your  business, 
but  it  seems  to  me  you  ought  to  have  him  arrested." 

"  I  shall  telegraph  from  the  next  landing  to  the 
chief  of  police  at  Newburg  to  detain  him." 

^'  That  is  proper." 

"  And  I  shall  want  your  young  friend  here  to  tes- 
tify against  him." 

"  I  can  guarantee  that  he  will  be  ready.  It's  a 
queer  thing  that  the  boy  should  be  mixed  up  in  this 
affair." 

"  I  think  so  myself,"  said  the  detective,  not  wholly 
without  suspicion. 

At  the  next  landing  the  detective  got  off,  and  sent 
the  following  telegram: 

"  Chief  of  Police,  ISTewbueg  : 

"  Look  for  a  young  man  about  average  height, 
wearing  a  brown  ulster.  Suspected  in  connection  with 
the  Murdock  robbery  in  Albany.     Search  him. 

"  Hatch,  Detective. 

"  Wire  to  me  at  central  office,  iJ^ew  York." 

In  due  time  the  boat  reached  ISTew  York.  By 
special  favor  Bernard  was  allowed  to  go  to  the  Grand 
Union  Hotel  with  Mr.  Stackpole  on  the  guarantee  of 
the  latter  that  his  young  charge  would  be  ready  when 
wanted. 


84      BERNARD  BROOKS  ADVENTURES. 

At  the  central  office  Detective  Hatch  found  the  fol- 
lowing despatch  from  itslewburg: 

"  Party  in  ulster  under  arrest.  Bonds  have  been 
found  in  inside  pockets  of  ulster — thirty-five  hun- 
dred dollars. 

"  Smith, 

"  Chief  of  Newburg  Police." 

Detective  Hatch  rubbed  his  hands  in  glee.  He 
telegraphed  to  Murdock  &  Co. :  "  Bonds  recovered 
and  thief  in  custody." 

While  upon  this  subject  it  may  be  stated  that  the 
thief  was  tried,  convicted,  and  sentenced  to  a  term  of 
imprisonment.  Bernard  received  the  following  let- 
ter from  Murdock  &  Co. : 

"  Beenaed  Beooks  : 

"  We  are  apprised  by  Detective  Hatch  that  you 
have  aided  him  in  securing  the  bonds  of  which  we 
were  robbed.  This  has  occasioned  you  some  trouble 
and  inconvenience,  and  we  wish  to  make  you  some  ac- 
knowledgment. We  send  you  herewith  a  Waltham 
gold  watch,  and  hope  it  may  please  you. 

"  Muedock  &  Co., 
"  Bankers  and  Brokers." 

The  watch  was  a  very  handsome  one,  and  proved 


HATCH,  DETECTIVE.  85 

to  be  a  good  timekeeper.  It  was  what  Bernard  had 
long  desired,  but  had  had  very  little  hope  of  securing. 
Mr.  Stackpole  bought  him  a  chain  to  go  with  it. 

"  This  is  my  contribution,"  he  said. 

Bernard  had  been  a  week  in  New  York,  and  he 
thought  it  high  time  to  call  upon  his  guardian.  He 
ascertained  from  the  directory  that  Cornelius  Mc- 
Cracken  had  an  office  in  Pine  Street,  and  he  accord- 
ingly betook  himself  there  one  morning. 
He  went  up-stairs  to  a  room  on  the  third  floor.  On 
a  door  he  saw  the  name 

COKNELITIS  McCEACKEIir,  AoETfT. 

He  ventured  to  open  the  door,  and  found  himself 
in  a  room  of  moderate  size,  provided  with  the  usual 
office  furniture. 

At  a  desk  in  the  right  hand  corner,  beside  k  win- 
dow, sat  a  man  of  medium  size,  rather  portly,  with 
scanty  locks  that  had  once  been  red,  but  were  now 
sprinkled  plentifully  with  gray. 

Bernard  paused  in  the  doorway  and  finally  said : 
"  Is  this  Mr.  McCracken  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  agent,  "  Who  wants 
me?" 

"  I  am  your  ward — Bernard  Brooks." 

Mr.    McCracken    wheeled    round    in    his    chair 


86  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

quickly,  and  fixed  a  pair  of  sharp,  ferret-like  eyes 
on  Bernard. 

"  So  you  have  found  me  at  last !  "  he  said.  "  And 
now  what  have  you  to  say  in  extenuation  of  your 
shameful  conduct  ? " 


CHAPTER  XI. 

MR.   SNOWDON  LOSES  HIS   PUPII/. 

Bernard  colored,  partly  with  indignation. 

"  What  shameful  conduct  do  you  refer  to  ?  "  he 
tisked. 

"  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Snowdon,  your 
respected  preceptor,  telling  me  how  you  have  be- 
haved." 

"  Would  you  allow  me  to  read  the  letter  ?  " 

"  Yes,  though  I  think  you  won't  find  it  very  pleas- 
ant reading." 

He  lifted  the  lid  of  his  desk  and  drew  out  a  letter 
«\^hich  he  handed  to  Bernard, 

Bernard  opened  and  read  it. 

It  ran  thus: 

"  Cornelius  McCracken,  Esq.  : 

"  Respected  Sir  :  It  gives  me  keen  anguish  to 
reveal  to  you  the  unworthy  conduct  of  the  boy  whom 
you  intrusted  to  my  charge.  It  may  not  wholly  sur- 
prise you,  for,  if  I  remember  rightly,  you  described 
Bernard  Brooks  to  me  as  a  "  bad  lot,"    In  truth  he 

87 


88  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

is  so.  He  has  been  mutinous  and  disagreeable,  and 
has  bullied  my  son  Septimus,  whom  for  some  reason 
he  seems  to  dislike  strongly.  Septimus  is  of  a  very 
amiable  disposition — he  is  very  like  me — but  he  was 
constrained  to  complain  of  Bernard's  overbearing 
conduct.  I  felt  that  the  boy  needed  castigation. 
You  remember  that  King  Solomon  approved  corporal 
punishment.  Accordingly  I  prepared  to  inflict  it. 
Getting  wind  of  my  intention,  Bernard  ran  away. 
He  led  me  a  long  chase  into  the  marshy  lands  to  the 
rear  of  my  farm,  and  managed  to  entrap  me  into  a 
ditch  where  my  wardrobe  received  considerable  in- 
jury. Then  he  stayed  away  all  night.  In  the  morn- 
ing, however,  my  boy  Septimus  found  him  in  a  hay- 
loft in  my  barn  and  notified  me. 

"  I  immediately  took  a  horsewhip  and  went  out  to 
the  barn.  I  ascended  to  the  loft,  but  he,  being  active 
and  agile,  managed  to  elude  me,  and  escaped  from 
the  barn,  removing  the  ladder  so  that  I  could  not  de- 
scend for  some  time.  I  won't  go  into  details,  but  I 
will  mention  that  he  ran  away  to  the  neighboring 
town  of  Poplar  Plains,  where  I  found  him  in  the 
company  of  an  escaped  lunatic.  I  should  have  been 
able  to  capture  him  but  for  the  presence  and  interfer- 
ence of  a  Western  desperado,  who  produced  a  revolver 
and  threatened  my  life.  He  is  still  at  large  and 
probably  still  in  the  company  of  this  lunatic,  who 


MR.  SNOWDON  LOSES  HIS  PUPIL.  89 

seems  at  present  disposed  to  befriend  him,  but  may  at 
any  time  murder  him,  as  his  cousin,  now  in  pursuit  of 
him,  gives  him  a  very  bad  character. 

"  I  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  lay  these  facta  before 
you  for  your  consideration.  I  may  add  that  I  was  put 
to  considerable  expense  in  hiring  a  horse  to  pursue 
Bernard.  This  and  some  other  items  amount  to 
about  five  dollars,  which  I  shall  be  glad  if  you  will 
remit  to  me,  as  my  means  are  straitened  and  I  can- 
not bear  the  loss. 

"  Yours  sincerely, 

"  EZEKIEL  SiSrOWDON." 

"  What  have  you  to  say  to  this  ? "  asked  Mr.  Mc- 
Cracken  severely. 

"  Only  that  Mr.  Snowdon  is  unfit  to  teach,  and  is 
as  brutal  as  he  dares  to  be.  I  was  fully  justified  in 
running  away.  I  don't  allow  any  man  to  horsewhip 
me." 

"  So  you  abused  his  son,  Sep "  and  Mr.  Mc- 

Cracken  referred  to  the  letter  to  refresh  his  memory 
as  to  the  name. 

"  Septimus  ?  He  is  worse,  if  anything,  than  his 
father." 

"  Do  you  expect  me  to  send  you  to  another  school, 
where  you  can  have  your  own  way  ?  " 

"  No ;  I  would  prefer  to  earn  my  own  living." 


90      BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Are  you  still  with  the  lunatic  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Penrose  is  no  lunatic,  though  he  has  a  cousin 
who  is  trying  to  get  him  into  an  insane  asylum  in 
order  to  gain  possession  of  his  money." 

"  Very  plausible !  I  suppose  he  tells  you  so.  Are 
you  still  with  him  ?  " 

"  !N^o,  sir.  I  am  with  a  miner  from  Colorado — a 
Mr.  Stackpole." 

"  Is  he  the  desperado  referred  to  by  Mr.  Snowdon 
in  his  letter  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Upon  my  word,  I  congratulate  you  on  your  choice 
of  associates.     Where  is  he  now  ?  " 

"  In  New  York,  at  the  Grand  Union  Hotel,  I 
have  been  staying  there  with  him." 

"  Has  he  adopted  you  ?  " 

"  No,  sir.  Mr,  McCracken,  there  is  one  question 
I  would  like  to  ask  you." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  You  are  my  guardian.  Have  you  charge  of  my 
property  for  me  ?  " 

"  No.  Who  told  you  that  I  had  ?  "  demanded  Mr. 
McCracken  suspiciously. 

"  No  one,  but  I  thought  my  father  might  have  left 
something." 

"  He  left  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  but 
it  was  gone  long  ago." 


MR.  SNOWDON  LOSES  HIS  PUPIL.  91 

"  And  have  you  been  paying  my  expenses  out  of 
your  own  pocket  ever  since  ?  " 

"  Yes/'  answered  Mr.  McCracken,  but  he  looked 
somewhat  embarrassed. 

"  Then  I  thank  you  for  your  liberality,  sir.  I 
don't  like  to  impose  upon  it,  and  would  like  to  make 
my  own  living." 

"  That  sounds  very  well,  but  what  can  you  do  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  yet,  but  I  am  sure  I  can  earn  my 
board.    I  am  young  and  strong." 

"  Where  did  you  get  that  gold  watch  ?  "  asked  Mr. 
MeCracken,  as  Bernard  drew  it  to  consult  the  time. 

"  It  was  given  me  by  a  firm  of  bankers  in  Albany 
— Murdock  &  Co." 

"  What  induced  them  to  give  it  to  you  ?  " 

"  I  helped  them  to  recover  some  bonds  which  had 
been  stolen  from  them." 

"  Humph !    You  seem  to  be  fond  of  adventures." 

"  The  adventure  was  forced  upon  me." 

"  Let  me  know  what  you  want." 

"  If  you  could  help  me  to  find  a  place  where  I  can 
earn  a  living  I  should  feel  deeply  indebted  to  you,  and 
it  would  save  you  from  supporting  me  out  of  your 
own  pocket." 

"  I  will  think  of  it.    Where  are  you  staying  ?  " 

"  At  the  Grand  Union  Hotel." 

"  Who  is  paying  your  bills  ?  " 


92  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Mr.  Joshua  Stackpole." 

"  You  can  come  to  my  house.  In  a  few  days  I 
shall  probably  find  you  a  place." 

"  Thank  you,  sir.     Where  do  you  live  ?  " 

Mr.  McCracken  gave  an  address  on  Lexington 
Avenue. 

"  I  will  go  there  this  afternoon." 

"  I  shall  be  home  at  five.  You  may  present  your- 
self then." 

Bernard  was  about  to  leave  the  office  when  Mr. 
McCracken  called  him  back. 

"  Wait  a  minute.  Did  you  notice  what  Mr.  Snow- 
don  said  about  his  expense  in  getting  you  back  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  Bernard  with  a  smile. 

"  Do  you  think  he  expended  five  dollars  ?  " 

"  No,  sir.  I  know  he  did  not.  The  horse  he  hired 
is  about  tAventy-five  years  old,  and  he  can  have  it 
whenever  he  please  for  seventy-five  cents." 

"  So  Mr.  Snowdon  wishes  to  make  a  little  profit 
out  of  the  transaction." 

"  So  it  appears." 

"  Very  well,  that  will  do." 

The  next  day  Mr.  Snowdon  received  the  following 
letter : 

"Dear  Sir: 

"  I  have  delayed  answering  your    letter  till  I  could 


MR.  SNOWDON  LOSES  HIS  PUPIL.  93 

see  my  ward.  He  called  on  me  this  morning.  He 
charges  you  with  an  attempt  to  horsewhip  for  insuf- 
ficient cause.  Into  the  merits  of  this  controversy  be- 
tween you  I  will  not  enter.  I  doubt  if  it  will  be  ad- 
visable to  send  him  back  to  Snowdon  Institute,  and  at 
his  request  I  shall  find  him  some  employment. 

"As  to  the  charge  you  make  for  expenses  in  pursuing 
him  I  think  you  have  greatly  overcharged.  I  inclose 
two  dollars,  which  Bernard  tells  me  is  considerably 
more  than  your  horse  hire  cost  you. 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  Cornelius  McCbacken." 

Ezekiel  Snowdon  read  this  letter  with  a  perturbed 
brow. 

"  Such  is  gratitude !  "  he  exclaimed,  raising  his 
eyes  to  heaven  in  protest.  "The  mental  anguish  that 
that  boy  has  cost  me  ought  to  count  for  something. 
Yet  his  guardian  has  sent  me  a  paltry  two-dollar 
bill.  Truly  the  virtuous  are  persecuted  in  this 
world.  They  must  seek  their  reward  in  a  better 
sphere." 

"  Has  the  crazy  man  been  caught,  pa  ?  " 

"  iSTot  that  I  have  heard.  That  good  man,  his 
cousin,  has  been  foiled  in  his  efforts  probably.  I 
shall  miss  the  money  I  have  been  accustomed  to  re- 
ceive from  Bernard's  guardian.     Unless  we  can  fill 


94  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

his  place,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  cut  down  the  rations  of 
butter,  and  have  it  only  every  other  day." 

"  I  can't  do  without  butter,  pa.  You  needn't  give 
any  at  all  to  the  boarders." 

"  True,  the  suggestion  is  a  good  one.  Competent 
medical  authorities  say  that  butter  is  apt  to  bring 
humors  to  children.  They  will  be  better  o£E  without 
it." 

Bernard  reported  to  Mr.  Stackpole  the  interview 
he  had  had  with  his  guardian,  and  asked  his  advice 
as  to  what  he  had  better  do. 

"  You  had  better  try  him  for  a  while,  Bernard," 
said  Mr.  Stackpole,  "  and  see  whether  he  is  ready 
to  do  the  fair  thing  by  you.  If  he  doesn't  you  will 
always  find  a  friend  in  Joshua  Stackpole." 

"  Thank  you,  Mr.  Stackpole,  I  am  sure  of  that." 

"  So  this  Mr.  McCracken  says  your  father  left  you 
no  property.    When  did  he  die  ?  " 

"  When  I  was  about  seven  years  old." 

"  What  do  you  know  about  him  ?  " 

"  Very  little.  He  used  to  travel — I  think  he  was 
an  agent  of  some  kind.  Mr.  McCracken  never  would 
tell  me  much  about  him.  How  long  shall  you  stay 
in  ITew  York,  Mr.  Stackpole  ?  " 

"  I  shall  leave  in  a  day  or  two.  I  have  to  go  to 
Philadelphia  on  business,  and  after  I  return  I  shall 


MR.  SNOWDON  LOSES  HIS  PUPIL.  95 

leave  for  Colorado.  My  address  "will  be  at  the  Eed 
Dog  Mine,  Gulchville." 

"  That's  a  queer  name,  Mr.  Stackpole.  Was  there 
ever  a  red  dog  ?  " 

"  One  of  the  miners  in  a  fit  of  intoxication  painted 
his  dog  red,  and  that  gave  a  name  to  the  mine." 

The  next  day  found  Bernard  at  his  guardian's 
house. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

BERNARD   MEETS   A  FRIEND  OF   HIS   FATHER. 

Cornelius  McCracken  lived  in  a  three  story  and 
basement  house  on  Lexington  Avenue.  It  was  a 
solid  and  comfortable  house,  but  not  showy.  He 
had  a  wife  and  three  children.  The  eldest,  a  girl, 
had  recently  married. 

There  were  two  boys  of  sixteen  and  eighteen,  but 
they  were  not  particularly  interesting,  and  as  they 
were  attending  school  Bernard  did  not  get  well  ac- 
quainted with  them. 

On  the  first  morning  after  breakfast  Bernard 
asked,  as  his  guardian  was  starting  for  his  office,  "  Is 
there  anything  you  wish  me  to  do  ?  " 

"  ]^o ;  you  can  go  about  the  city  and  make  yourself 
familiar  with  it.  If  I  should  get  you  a  place  here  it 
might  be  well  for  you  to  know  your  way  about  the 
streets." 

"  I  shall  like  that." 

"  Oh,  by  the  way,  have  you  any  money  for  car  fare, 
or  any  small  expenses  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  have  all  I  shall  need  for  the  present." 
9Q 


BERNARD  MEETS  A  FRIEND  OF  HIS  FATHER.       97 

Mr.  McCracken  looked  relieved,  for  he  was  not  a 
liberal  man,  and  was  glad  to  be  freed  from  the  ex- 
pense of  supplying  his  ward  with  pocket  money. 

Shortly  after  breakfast  he  went  out  and  bent  his 
steps  toward  Broadway.  He  had  been  in  ]^ew  York 
before,  but  not  for  some  years,  and  it  was  quite  new 
to  him.     He  wandered  about  as  chance  suggested. 

About  eleven  o'clock  he  was  passing  a  barber  shop 
on  a  side  street,  and  it  occurred  to  him  that  his  hair 
needed  cutting.  He  entered  the  shop,  and  sat  down 
to  wait  his  turn.  He  found  himself  sitting  ne'xt  a 
man  with  hair  partially  gray,  who  regarded  him  with 
some  attention. 

"  Have  you  come  in  to  be  shaved  ?  "  he  asked,  with 
a  smile. 

Bernard  smiled  in  return. 

"  'No,"  he  answered.  "  That  can  wait.  I  shall 
have  my  hair  cut." 

"  You  bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  a  man  I  once 
knew,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  after  a  pause. 

"  What  was  his  name  ?  "  asked  Bernard,  with  nat- 
ural curiosity. 

"  Clayton  Brooks." 

"  That  was  my  father,"  said  Bernard  quickly. 

"  Is  it  possible  ?  That  accounts  for  the  resem- 
blance.    Is  your  father  living  ?  " 

"  No,  sir ;  he  died  ten  years  ago." 
7 


98  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  supposed  he  must  be  dead,  as  I  had  lost  track  of 
him." 

"  Did  you  know  him  well  ? "  asked  Bernard 
eagerly. 

"  Quite  well.  We  were  both  traveling  salesmen. 
He  traveled  for  a  jewelry  firm  in  Maiden  Lane,  I 
for  a  dry  goods  house.  Our  territory  was  in  large 
part  the  same,  and  we  often  stayed  at  the  same  hotel. 
Is  your  mother  living  ?  " 

"  ISTo,  sir.    She  died  before  my  father." 

"  Then  you  are  an  orphan  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  Bernard  gravely. 

"  Pardon  me — it  is  none  of  my  business — ^but  your 
father  left  you  comfortably  provided  for,  did  he 
not?" 

Bernard  shook  his  head. 

"  On  the  contrary,  he  left  almost  nothing,  I  am 
told." 

"  "Who,  then,  took  care  of  you,  for  you  were  too 
young  to  take  care  of  yourself  ?  " 

"  A  business  man  down  town,  Cornelius  Mc- 
Cracken.  He  is  my  guardian,  though  there  seems  to 
be  no  property  for  him  to  take  care  of  for  me." 

"  I  remember  the  name." 

"  Did  you  ever  hear  my  father  speak  of  him  ?  I 
have  often  wondered  how  he  came  to  be  my  guar-' 
dian." 


BERNARD  MEETS  A  FRIEND  OF  HIS  FATHER.       99 

"  Yes,  I  remember  now  that  your  father  told  me 
he  had  saved  a  few  thousand  dollars,  and  put  it  into 
Mr.  McCracken's  hands  to  invest  for  him." 

"  Are  you  sure  of  this  ?  "  asked  Bernard,  in  sur- 
prise. 

"  Yes.  The  name  is  a  peculiar  one,  and  I  re- 
member it  for  that  reason." 

"  Then  there  was  some  property — at  one  time." 

"  Yes ;  I  am  not  mistaken  about  that." 

"  It  is  singular  that  Mr.  McCracken  has  never 
told  me  anything  about  it." 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  old  gentleman  slowly.  "  It 
is  singular.     Does  he  say  that  your  father  left  noth- 


ing?" 


"  'No.  He  says  that  h-9  left  a  trifle,  but  that  it  was 
soon  exhausted,  and  that  he  had  since  paid  my  ex- 
penses out  of  his  own  pocket." 

"  The  money  which  your  father  put  into  his 
hands  was  no  trifle.  The  interest  alone  would  have 
paid  a  boy's  expenses.  Are  you  at  Mr.  McCracken's 
house  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir ;  but  I  only  went  there  yesterday.  He 
put  me  at  a  boarding-school  in  the  country,  and  I 
ran  away." 

"  You  don't  look  like  a  boy  who  would  run  away 
from  school." 

"  I  shouldn't  >   1  had  not  had  good  cause." 


100  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Suppose  you  tell  me  why  you  did  it." 

Bernard,  upon  this,  told  the  story  already  familiar 
to  the  reader. 

"  Do  you  blame  me  for  leaving  Mr.  Snowdon  ?  " 
he  asked,  at  the  conclusion  of  his  tale. 

"  'No,  I  do  not.  By  George,  I  would  have  done  the 
same  if  I  had  been  in  your  place.  Does  Mr.  Mc- 
Cracken  want  you  to  go  back  ?  " 

"  No ;  he  is  going  to  find  a  place  for  me." 

"  If  I  were  in  business  I  would  give  you  a  position 
in  a  minute.  I  am  sure  that  your  father's  son  would 
suit  me." 

"  Thank  you,  sir.    Are  you  still  traveling  ?  " 

"  No.  Four  years  since  an  old  uncle  died  and  left 
me  a  good  sum  of  money,  so  that  I  have  since  been 
able  to  live  at  ease  without  working.  I  am  not  an  old 
man,  still  I  am  fully  ten  years  older  than  your  father 
would  have  been,  and  it  is  pleasant  to  think  I  can  do 
as  I  please." 

"  I  don't  care  to  retire  just  yet,"  said  Bernard, 
smiling. 

"  I  should  hope  not.  Even  if  you  were  able  to  livo 
without  work,  I  would  not  give  much  for  a  boy  who 
would  be  willing  to  do  so." 

"  Kext !  "  announced  one  of  the  barbers. 

"  It  is  my  turn,  I  believe,"  said  the  old  gentleman. 


BERNARD  MEETS  A  FRIEND  OF  HIS  FATHER.     101 

'^  Can  you  meet  me  to-morrow  at  eleven  o'clock  at 
the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel?" 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  I  may  have  more  to  say  to  you  about  your  affairs. 
On  your  father's  account,  I  take  a  great  interest  in 
you.  By  the  way,  don't  say  anything  to  Mr.  Mo- 
Cracken  about  meeting  a  friend  of  your  father's." 

"  iSTo,  sir,  I  will  not." 

The  next  day  Bernard  kept  his  appointment.  He 
had  been  in  the  hotel — now  torn  down — but  five 
minutes,  Avhen  his  acquaintance  of  the  day  before 
made  his  appearance. 

"  By  the  way,"  said  he,  "  I  forgot  to  tell  you  my 
name." 

"  I  thought  of  that  after  we  parted,"  said  Ber- 
nard. 

"  It  is  Alvin  Franklin.  There  is  a  tradition  in 
our  family  that  we  are  related  to  Benjamin  Eranklin. 
I  can't  certify  to  it,  but  I  hope  it  is  true.  Here  is  my 
card." 

"  Thank  you,  sir.  I  should  have  remembered  it 
without  a  card,  but  I  will  keep  it." 

"  Referring  to  my  conversation  with  you  yester- 
day, I  have  made  some  inquiries  of  my  business  ac- 
quaintances." 

"  What  did  you  learn,  sir  ?  " 

"  That  his  reputation  is  not  of  the  best.    He  is  not 


102  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

a  man  who  is  above  suspicion,  but  lie  takes  care  to 
keep  within  the  law.  In  fact,  as  far  as  I  can  learn, 
he  is  a  tricky  man." 

"  I  hope  that  will  never  be  said  of  me,  Mr.  Frank- 
lin." 

"  It  could  never  be  said  of  your  father.  He  was 
as  straight  and  honorable  a  man  as  ever  lived." 

"  I  am  proud  to  hear  you  say  so,"  said  Bernard, 
flushing  with  pleasure. 

"  I  may  be  a  little  hasty,  but  I  can't  help  feeling 
that  in  some  way  Mr.  McCracken  has  wronged  you." 

"  In  what  way,  sir  ?  " 

"  I  think  he  has  not  accounted  to  you  for  property 
your  father  placed  in  his  hands." 

"  The  same  thought  came  into  my  mind,  Mr. 
Franklin,  but  I  did  not  wish  to  suspect  my  guardian, 
with  nothing  to  go  upon." 

"  He  seems  to  be  just  the  man  to  cheat  an  orphan. 
A  man  who  is  dishonest  in  one  way  is  likely  to  be  dis- 
honest in  another." 

"  Even  if  it  is  so,  I  suppose  I  have  no  way  of  prov- 
ing it." 

"  Probably  not.  If  there  were  any  proofs  of  the 
trust  reposed  by  your  father,  Mr.  McCracken  would 
be  likely  to  destroy  them.  I  will  think  over  the  mat- 
ter, and  if  I  can  hit  upon  any  course  that  would 
benefit  you  I  will  let  you  know." 


BERNARD  MEETS  A  FRIEND  OF  HIS  FATHER.     103 

Bernard  and  his  new  friend  talked  further  of 
his  father.  It  was  a  delight  to  the  boy  to  meet  some 
one  who  had  known  the  parents  of  whom  he  could 
scarcely  remember  anything.  All  that  Mr.  Franklin 
had  to  say  of  the  elder  Brooks  redounded  to  his 
credit,  and  this  was  naturally  gratifying  to  his  son. 

When  they  parted,  Bernard  asked,  "  Shall  I  men- 
tion to  Mr.  McCraeken  meeting  you  ?  " 

"  I  think  not — at  present." 

But  chance  ordered  otherwise. 

When  Bernard  was  drawing  his  handkerchief  out 
of  his  side  pocket  after  supper,  he  twitched  out  the 
card,  which  fell  to  the  floor. 

Mr.  McCracken's  sharp  eye  detected  it. 

"  What  is  that  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  A  card." 

"  Of  course.    What  name  is  on  it  ?  " 

"  Alvin  Franklin." 

"  Who  is  he  ?    Is  it  a  man  you  know  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir.    It  is  an  acquaintance  of  my  father." 

"  When  did  you  see  him  ?  " 

"  To-day,  at  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel." 

"  Did  he  talk  to  you  about  your  father  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  What  did  he  say,  and  how  did  he  happen  to  know 
him  ? " 

Bernard  answered  this  question,  but  did  not  think 


104  BERNAED  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

it  necessary  to  speak  of  the  monej  which  his  father 
was  said  to  have  left. 

Mr.  McCracken  made  no  comment,  but  did  not 
seem  pleased.  When  Bernard  went  up  to  bed,  he 
said  to  himself,  "  I  must  get  the  boy  out  of  the  city. 
This  man  may  tell  him  too  much." 


€HAPTEK  XIII. 


PKOFESSOR  PUFFER. 


Three  days  later  Mr.  McCraeken  said  to  Bernard 
at  the  breakfast  table :  "  Well,  I  have  secured  a  po- 
sition for  you." 

"  Indeed,  sir,  what  is  it  ?  "  inquired  Bernard,  with 
interest.     "  Is  it  in  the  city  ?  " 

"  ISTo ;  did  you  particularly  wish  to  live  in  the 
city?" 

"  N"o,  sir ;  as  long  as  the  position  is  a  good  one, 
and  is  likely  to  lead  to  something,  I  am  not  particu- 
lar." 

"  You  are  a  sensible  boy.  Let  me  say,  then,  that 
my  friend  Professor  Puffer — Ezra  Puffer — perhaps 
you  have  heard  of  him — requires  a  boy  of  fair  edu- 
cation as  secretary  and  literary  assistant.  Though  he 
has  never  seen  you,  he  will  take  you  on  my  recommen- 
dation." 

"  But,  sir,"  said  Bernard,  considerably  amazed, 
"  am  I  qualified  to  be  literary  assistant  to  a  profes- 
sor?" 

"  As  to  that,  I  don't  think  anything  will  be  re- 
105 


106     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

quired  beyond  the  ability  of  a  fair  scholar.  You 
have  a  fair  education,  I  take  it," 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  You  know  a  little  Latin  and  French,  eh  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  And  write  a  good  hand  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Then  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  suit  my  friend 
Puffer." 

'•  Of  what  is  he  professor  ? " 

"  I  can't  tell  you  exactly,  but  I  believe  he  is  in- 
terested in  antiquities.  By  the  way,  he  is  going  to 
Europe.  I  suppose  you  won't  object  to  going  with 
him." 

"  1^0 ;  I  shall  like  it,"  said  Bernard,  in  a  tone  of 
satisfaction. 

"  I  thought  you  would.  How  soon  can  you  be 
ready  ? " 

"  Whenever  you  wish." 

"  Professor  Puffer  will  sail  to-morrow  in  a  packet 
ship,  and  I  have  promised  to  take  you  on  board.  He 
is  so  busy  making  preparations  that  he  cannot  call 
here." 

"  I  should  like  to  make  his  acquaintance  before  I 
start." 

"  Why  ?  "  asked  Mr.  McCracken  sharply.  "  Can't 
you  accept  him  on  my  recommendation  ?  " 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER.  107 

"  I  hope  he  isn't  like  Mr.  Snowdon." 

"  You  will  find  him  to  be  a  gentleman.  Is  that 
satisfactory  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes,  sir.  Don't  imagine  I  want  to  make 
trouble.  Only  I  had  a  little  curiosity  in  regard  to 
him ;  that  is  all.  Have  you  any  idea  how  I  shall  be 
employed  ?  " 

"  Well,  to  tell  the  truth,  I  can't  give  you  much 
idea.  Your  labors  wall  be  light,  and  you  will  have  a 
chance  to  see  the  world.  Upon  my  word,  young  man, 
you  are  very  fortunate.  If  at  your  age  I  had  such 
an  opportunity  I  should  have  been  delighted.  If, 
however,  you  would  prefer  to  go  back  to  the  care  of 
Mr.  Snowdon,  I  won't  object  to  gratifying  you." 

"  Oh,  no ;  I  am  quite  satisfied,"  said  Bernard  has- 
tily. "  I  shall  certainly  prefer  Professor  Puffer. 
What  is  his  appearance  ?  " 

"  I  should  say  that  he  was  about  my  age.  He  has 
but  one  eye,  the  other  having  been  destroyed  by  an  ac- 
cident when  he  was  a  young  man.  I  think  the  other 
eye  is  weak,  and  it  is  probably  for  this  reason  that 
he  requires  a  secretary." 

"  Very  likely,  sir." 

"  You  can  pack  your  valise  to-day,  and  to-morrow 
morning  I  will  take  you  to  the  vessel." 

Mr.  Stackpole  had  left  the  city,  and  Bernard  did 
not  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  his  father's  old 


108     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

friend  Alvin  Franklin,  so  that  he  was  unable  to  in- 
form either  of  his  departure  for  Europe.  He  was 
sorry  for  this,  as  he  looked  upon  both  as  friends,  and 
would  have  liked  to  have  had  their  good  wishes. 

Somehow  he  never  looked  upon  his  guardian  as  a 
friend.  The  information  he  had  received  from  Mr. 
Franklin,  moreover,  had  excited  in  his  mind  a  sus- 
picion as  to  Mr.  McCracken's  honesty. 

However,  he  was  to  have  an  opportunity  of  sup- 
porting himself.  Mr.  McCracken  had  told  him  that 
Professor  Puffer  would  pay  him  twenty-five  dollars 
a  month,  besides  his  board  and  traveling  expenses, 
and  this  he  rightly  considered  as  an  unusual  salary 
for  a  boy  of  his  age. 

About  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning  he  started 
with  Mr.  McCracken  for  the  ship  Vesta.  It  lay  at 
a  iSTorth  River  pier,  and  half  an  hour  or  less  brought 
them  to  it.  It  was  a  ship  of  fair  size,  but  as  Bernard 
knew  very  little  about  ships  of  any  kind — he  had 
never  been  on  one — he  was  not  in  a  condition  to 
judge  on  this  point. 

They  boarded  the  ship,  and  Mr.  McCracken  ad- 
dressed the  second  mate,  whom  he  knew  slightly. 

"  Is  Professor  Puffer  on  board  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,  sir ;  he  is  in  the  cabin." 

"Thank  you." 

They  proceeded  to  the  cabin,  where  they  found  the 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER.  109 

professor.  He  was  a  short,  rather  stout  man,  with 
a  red  face,  scanty  hair,  and  a  green  shade  covering 
the  lost  eye. 

Mr.  McCracken  went  up  and  shook  his  hand. 

"  Professor  Puffer,"  he  said,  "  I  have  brought  Ber- 
nard Brooks,  your  new  secretary.  I  hope  he  will 
prove  satisfactory." 

Professor  Puffer  turned  his  glance  towards  Ber- 
nard, whom  he  examined  attentively.  Then  he  said, 
in  a  deep  bass  voice :  "  I  have  taken  him  on  your 
recommendation,  Mr.  McCracken.  You  know  what 
I  want.  If  you  say  he  will  suit  me  I  have  no  doubt 
he  will.  Young  man,  I  hope  we  shall  get  on  well 
together," 

"  I  hope  so,  sir." 

"  Has  your  guardian  acquainted  you  with  the  de- 
tails of  your  engagement  ?  " 

"  He  hasn't  told  me  exactly  what  I  will  have  to 
do." 

"  You  will  learn  in  good  time,"  said  the  professor, 
with  a  wave  of  his  hand. 

'•  Whatever  the  duties  are  I  will  try  to  give  you 
satisfaction." 

"All  right!" 

"  You  can  look  about  the  vessel,  Bernard,"  said 
Mr.  McCracken,  "  while  the  professor  and  I  have  a 
little  conversation." 


110     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  All  right,  sir.    I  shall  be  glad  to  do  so." 

So  Bernard  walked  about  the  ship  and  watched 
with  interest  the  preparations  for  departure.  It  was 
all  new  to  him,  and  he  could  not  help  feeling  elated 
when  he  reflected  that  he  was  about  to  see  something 
of  foreign  countries,  while  at  the  same  time  earning 
his  living. 

He  was  obliged  to  confess  that  Professor  Puffer 
did  not  come  up  to  his  expectations.  In  fact,  he 
looked  like  anything  but  a  literary  man  or  professor. 
Bernard  had  imagined  a  tall,  slender  man,  with  a 
high  intellectual  brow,  a  pale  face,  an  air  of  refine- 
ment and  cultivation,  and  a  quiet  manner.  Pro- 
fessor Puffer  was  quite  the  reverse.  He  looked  more 
like  a  sailor,  and  his  red  face  seemed  to  indicate  that 
he  was  not  a  member  of  a  total  abstinence  so- 
ciety. 

"  I  never  in  the  world  should  think  that  he  was  a 
professor,"  reflected  Bernard.  "  However,  appear- 
ances are  not  always  to  be  trusted,  and  he  may  be 
very  intellectual,  though  he  certainly  does  not  look 
so.    I  do  hope  we  shall  get  along  well  together." 

He  was  interrupted  in  his  reflections  by  the  ap- 
pearance of  Mr.  McCracken  on  deck. 

"  I  shall  have  to  say  good-by,  Bernard,"  said  his 
guardian,  "  as  the  vessel  is  about  ready  to  start.  I 
hope  you  will  be  a  good  boy  and  give  satisfaction  to 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER.  IH 

Professor  Puffer.  If  you  do  not,  you  cannot  expect 
me  to  do  anything  more  for  you." 

"  ISTo,  sir,  I  won't.  I  thank  you  for  procuring  me 
the  situation.  I  will  try  to  justify  your  recommenda- 
tion." 

"  All  right !     Well,  good-by." 

It  might  have  been  supposed  that  Mr.  McCracken 
would  have  shaken  hands  with  Bernard  now  that  he 
was  about  to  go  away  to  a  distant  point  and  for  an 
indefinite  time,  but  he  did  not  offer  to  do  it,  and  Ber- 
nard on  the  whole  was  glad  to  have  it  so.  He  felt  a 
physical  repulsion  for  Mr.  McCracken  which  he  could 
not  explain,  and  preferred  to  dispense  with  all  signs 
of  friendliness. 

ITe  felt  rather  relieved,  too,  w^hen  Mr.  McCracken 
had  left  the  vessel,  and  he  had  seen  the  last  of  him, 
for  a  time  at  least. 

The  preparations  for  departure  continued.  Tha 
sailors  were  busy,  and  soon  the  vessel  left  her  wharf, 
and  was  towed  out  into  the  stream.  Bernard  watched 
the  shipping  in  the  harbor,  the  ferry-boats  darting 
here  and  there,  the  Jersey  shore,  and  later  the  spires 
and  warehouses  of  the  great  city  on  the  other  side  of 
the  river.  He  rather  wondered  why  he  did  not  see 
Professor  Puffer,  but  that  gentleman  had  gone  below. 

At  length  Bernard  thought  it  time  to  inquire  the 


112  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

■whereabouts  of  his  employer.  The  steward  led  him 
below,  and  pointed  to  the  door  of  a  stateroom.  He 
knocked  at  the  door,  and  did  not  at  first  have  a  reply. 
A  second  knock  elicited  an  indistinct  sound  which  he 
interpreted  as  "  Come  in !  " 

He  opened  the  door  and  saw  the  professor  lying  in 
the  lower  berth  in  what  appeared  to  be  a  stupor. 

"  Don't  you  feel  well,  Professor  Puffer  ?  "  asked 
Bernard. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  returned  the  professor,  with  a 
tipsy  hiccough. 

This,  with  the  undeniable  smell  of  liquor,  and  a 
whisky  bottle  on  the  floor,  showed  clearly  enough 
what  was  the  matter  with  the  professor. 

Bernard  was  shocked.  He  had  always  had  a  hor- 
ror of  intemperance,  and  he  regarded  his  corpulent 
employer  with  ill-concealed  disgust. 

"  I  am  Bernard  Brooks,  your  new  secretary,"  he 
answered. 

"  Thatsh  all  right !  Take  a  drink,"  returned  the 
professor,  trying  to  indicate  the  bottle. 

"  JSTo,  thank  you.  I  am  not  thirsty,"  said  Ber- 
nard. 

"  Give  it  to  me,  then." 

Much  against  his  will  Bernard  handed  the  bottle  to 
his  learned  employer,  who  poured  down  the  small 
amount  that  was  left  in  it. 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER.  113 

"  Thatsh  good !  "  he  ejaculated. 

"  Have  I  got  to  occupy  the  room  with  a  man  like 
that  ?  "  thought  Bernard,  with  disgust.  "  I  hope 
there  are  very  few  professors  like  Professor  Puffer." 


CHAPTEE  XIV. 

SOME  OF  THE  PASSENGEES. 

Beenaed  had  always  cherished  high  respect  for 
literary  men  and  professors,  though  it  must  be  con- 
fessed that  he  did  not  venerate  Professor  Snowdon. 
To  find  Professor  Puffer  an  inebriate  was  certainly  a 
shock  to  him.  Still,  he  remembered  that  Burns  had 
been  intemperate,  and  that  Byron  loved  gin,  and  that 
in  spite  of  his  taste  for  whisky  Professor  Puffer 
might  be  a  learned  man. 

The  next  day  the  professor  was  sober,  partly,  per- 
haps, because  his  supply  of  drink  had  given  out.  Ber^ 
nard  resolved  to  get  better  acquainted  with  him. 

"  Professor  Puffer,"  he  said,  after  breakfast,  "  I 
am  ready  to  begin  work  whenever  you  please," 

"  All  right !    Have  you  been  seasick  ?  " 

"  No,  sir." 

"  I  thought  perhaps  for  the  first  three  or  four 
days  you  might  be  affected." 

"  I  thought  so,  too,  as  I  am  not  used  to  the  sea,  but 
I  haven't  had  any  trouble  yet,  so  that  I  can  go  to  work 
any  time  you  desire." 

114 


SOME  OF  THE  PASSENGERS.  115 

"  I  shan't  undertake  to  do  any  work  on  tlie  ship, 
Mr. —  what  is  your  name  ?  " 

"  Brooks — Bernard  Brooks." 

"  Just  so.    I  shall  remember  after  a  while." 

"  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  giving  me  a 
situation  when  you  don't  know  any  more  of  me." 

"  Oh,  Mr.  McCracken  spoke  for  you.  A  sharp  man 
is  Mr.  McCracken." 

"  I  dare  say  he  is,  but  I  don't  know  much  about 
him." 

"  Don't  you  ?  "  asked  the  professor,  showing  some 
interest.    "  Isn't  he  your  guardian  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  but  I  have  never  spent  much  time  with 
him." 

"  Has  he  charge  of  much  property  of  yours  ?  " 

"  He  says  I  have  no  property." 

"  Ha,  indeed !  As  a  rule,  guardians  are  not  ap- 
pointed unless  there  is  property." 

"  He  was  a  friend — that  is,  an  acquaintance  of  my 
father." 

"  How  long  has  your  father  been  dead?  " 

"  Ever  since  I  was  five  years  old." 

"Now  it  occurred  to  Bernard  to  ask  some  questions. 

"  Mr.  McCracken  told  me  you  were  interested  in 
ani^iquities." 

"Yes — antiquities." 

"  Have  you  written  any  works  on  the  subject  ?  " 


116  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Yes,  several,"  answered  the  professor,  with  some 
hesitation. 

"  Have  jou  any  of  them  with  you  ?  " 

"  No." 

"  I  thought  I  should  like  to  look  them  over  if  you 
had,  and  it  might  help  qualify  me  for  my  duties." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  answer  my  purpose," 
Baid  the  professor,  yawning,  as  if  he  did  not  feel  much 
interest  in  the  subject. 

Bernard  was  rather  disappointed.  He  wished  the 
professor  would  talk  to  him  on  his  specialty,  as  it 
would  be  interesting  and  instructive. 

"  Are  we  going  to  stay  abroad  long  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  My  plans  are  not  fully  formed,"  said  the  profes- 
sor. He  gave  the  impression  of  not  caring  to  talk 
on  the  subject,  and  Bernard  took  the  hint,  and  ceased 
to  question  him.  He  found  time  hanging  heavily  on 
his  hands,  as  he  appeared  to  have  no  duties  and 
thought  it  might  be  interesting  to  make  some  acquain- 
tances on  board  the  ship. 

There  were  ten  passengers  besides  Professor  Puffer 
and  himself.  The  first  he  became  acquainted  with 
was  a  thin,  sallow-faced  man  who  wore  green  glasses. 
What  he  was  Bernard  could  not  conjecture,  but  soon 
learned. 

He  was  standing  forward  looking  out  at  the  white 


SOME  OF  THE  PASSENGERS.  117 

capped  waves  when  a  voice  accosted  him.  "  Young 
man,  are  you  bilious  ?  " 

Opening  his  eyes  in  surprise,  Bernard  recognized 
the  sallow-faced  passenger. 

"  I  don't  think  I  am,"  he  answered. 

"  I  am  Dr.  Felix  Hampton,"  said  his  new  ac- 
quaintance. "  I  have  discovered  a  medicine  which 
will  effectually  cure  biliousness." 

"  Indeed,  sir !  You  will  be  a  public  benefactor,  in 
that  case." 

"  True,  young  man.  I  feel  that  my  work  is  a  great 
one.  Thousands  will  bless  my  name.  I  am  going 
abroad  to  introduce  my  medicine  in  Europe.  There 
must  be  thousands  of  bilious  cases  in  London  alone." 

"  I  presume  you  are  right.  Shall  you  establish 
yourself  in  London  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  give  myself  to  any  one  country.  I  shall 
endeavor  to  sell  an  interest  in  my  medicine  to  some 
responsible  party  who  will  push  it  in  Great  Britain. 
Who  is  the  red-faced  man  you  are  traveling  with  ?  " 

"  Professor  Ezra  Puffer." 

"  What  is  he  professor  of  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,  sir.  I  believe  he  is  interested  in 
antiquities." 

"  Is  he  bilious  ?  " 

"  I  haven't  known  him  long  enough  to  tell." 


118     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Would  you  mind  recommending  my  medicine  to 
him  ? " 

"  I  think  you  had  better  do  so  yourself.  I  don't 
know  anything  about  the  medicine,  you  know." 

"  Is  he  your  father  ?  " 

"  IS^o,  sir." 

The  idea  of  being  the  son  of  Professor  Puffer  was 
quite  repugnant  to  Bernard,  and  he  answered 
promptly. 

"  You  may  be  bilious  without  knowing  it.  If  you 
will,  come  to  my  stateroom  I  will  give  you  a  teaspoon- 
ful  of  the  medicine  without  charge." 

"  Thank  you,  sir.  I  don't  care  for  it.  If  I  were 
sick  I  would  make  up  my  mind  to  buy  medicine,  but  I 
feel  perfectly  healthy.     Do  you  use  it  yourself  ?  " 

"  I  did,  but  now  I  am  entirely  cured  of  the  insid- 
ious disease." 

It  struck  Bernard  that  Dr.  Hampton  was  singu- 
larly unhealthy  in  appearance,  but  this  he  kept  to 
himself. 

As  he  walked  to  another  part  of  the  deck  he  was 
accosted  by  a  bright,  healthy  looking  man  of  perhaps 
thirty-five,  with  a  rosy  face  and  a  quick,  alert  man- 
ner. 

"  I  see  you  have  been  talking  with  Dr.  Hampton," 
he  said. 

"  I  didn't  know  that  was  his  name." 


SOME  OF  THE  PASSENGERS.  119 

"  Did  he  ask  you  if  you  were  bilious  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  offered  me  a  dose  of  his  medicine  with- 
out charge." 

The  other  laughed.  "  He  made  me  the  same  lib- 
eral offer.    Neither  you  nor  I  look  like  bilious  cases." 

"  I  should  think  not." 

"  The  doctor  himself  looks  like  a  victim  of  liver 
complaint.    Are  you  traveling  alone  ?  " 

"  No,  sir.    I  am  traveling  with  Professor  Puffer." 

"  A  short  man  with  a  red  face  ?  " 

"Yes." 

"  A  friend  of  your  family  ?  " 

"  I  never  saw  him  until  I  met  him  on  the  ship." 

"  You  called  him  Professor  Puffer.  What  is  he 
professor  of  ?  " 

"  I  believe  he  is  interested  in  antiquities." 

"  He  seems  to  me  more  interested  in  liquor.  But 
I  must  apologize.  I  should  not  speak  so  of  your 
friend." 

Bernard  laughed. 

"  I  am  not  sensitive  on  the  subject  of  my  friend, 
or  rather  my  employer,"  he  said. 

"  Your  employer  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  I  am  his  secretary,  and  I  believe  I  am  to 
assist  him  in  his  literary  labors." 

"  Then  I  suppose  you  will  become  a  professor  of 
antiquities  also." 


120  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Perhaps  so,"  assented  Bernard,  with  a  smile. 

"  For  my  part,  I  don't  care  much  for  antiquitiee. 
I  am  more  interested  in  the  present  than  in  the  past. 
I  am  buyer  for  a  Boston  house,  and  my  name  is  J^el- 
son  Sturgis.     How  may  I  call  you  ?  " 

"  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  Professor  Brooks  ?  "  asked  Sturgis. 

"  ISTot  yet,"  laughed  Bernard. 

"  Suppose  we  take  a  little  promenade.  I  make  a 
practice  of  M-alking  two  hours  daily  on  shipboard  in 
order  to  get  my  customary  exercise." 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  join  you,  Mr.  Sturgis." 

As  they  were  walking  they  had  an  opportunity  to 
witness  an  amusing  meeting  between  Professor  Puf- 
fer and  Dr.  Hampton. 

As  Professor  Puffer  emerged  from  the  cabin  the 
sallow-faced  man  approached  him  with  the  stereo- 
typed question,  "  Pardon  me,  sir,  but  are  you 
bilious  ?  " 

"  What  the — dickens  do  you  mean  ?  "  demanded 
Professor  Puffer,  glaring  at  the  doctor. 

"  No  offense,  sir,  but  I  think  most  persons  are 
bilious." 

"  You  look  a  good  deal  more  bilious  than  I." 

"  No,  sir,  you  are  mistaken.  I  have  cured  myself 
of  liver  complaint  by  Dr.  Hampton's  celebrated  liver 
tonic.    I  am  Dr.  Hampton." 


SOME  OF  THE  PASSENGERS.  121 

"  Are  you  ?  Well,  your  appearance  doesn't  speak 
yery  well  for  your  remedy.  My  liver  is  perfectly 
regular." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,  sir.  I  was  speaking  to 
your  secretary  a  short  time  since,  but  he  doesn't 
think  he  is  bilious.  A  boy  of  his  age  wouldn't  be 
apt  to  know.  I  will  make  you  the  same  offer  that  I 
did  him.  I  will  give  you  a  dose  of  the  tonic  free 
gratis,  and  you  may  find  that  it  will  benefit  you." 

"  Is  there  any  whisky  or  brandy  in  the  tonic  ?  " 
asked  Professor  Puffer,  with  sudden  interest. 

"  ISTo,  sir,  not  a  drop.  You  may  rest  assured  that 
it  is  a  strict  temperance  medicine." 

"  Then  I  don't  want  any  of  it,  sir.  Temperance 
is  a  humbug.     Are  you  a  temperance  man  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  I  am  not.     Good  morning." 

Dr.  Hampton's  next  interview  was  more  satisfac- 
tory. Among  the  passengers  was  a  thin  maiden  lady 
of  uncertain  age.  She  was  beginning  to  suffer  sea- 
sickness when  Dr.  Hampton  approached  her. 

"  Pardon  me,"  he  said,  "  but  you  look  bilious." 

"  I  fear  I  am,"  she  answered,  in  a  hollow  tone. 
"I  feel  dreadfully." 

"  I  thought  I  could  not  be  mistaken.  Shall  I  re- 
lieve you  ?  " 

"  Oh,  sir,  if  you  only  could." 


122     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  can.  A  bottle  of  my  celebrated  liver  tonic  will 
make  a  new  man — I  mean  woman — of  you." 

"  Bring  me  some,  please,  for  indeed  I  feel  very 
sick." 

Dr.  Hampton  produced  a  small  bottle  from  his 
pocket.    "  This  is  it,"  he  said.    "  A  dollar,  please." 

The  maiden  lady  drew  a  dollar  bill  from  her 
pocket,  and  the  doctor,  producing  a  spoon,  admin- 
istered a  dose.  The  result  was  magical!  The  lady 
rushed  hastily  to  the  side  of  the  vessel,  and  was  re- 
lieved of  her  breakfast. 

"  I  feel  better,"  she  gasped. 

''  I  knew  you  would,"  gaid  the  doctor,  and  he  put 
the  bill  into  his  pocket  with  a  smile  of  satisfaction. 


CHAPTER  XT. 

JACK  STAPLES. 

Professok  Puffek  had  a  grievance.  He  had  sent 
on  board  a  good  supply  of  whisky — sufficient  to  last 
him  through  the  voyage — but  the  greater  part  of  thi« 
had  mysteriously  disappeared.  Whether  it  had  been 
carried  to  the  wrong  vessel  or  not  could  not  be  ascer- 
tained. At  any  rate,  he  had  to  do  without  it,  and  this 
to  a  man  of  the  professor's  tastes  was  a  great  depriva- 
tion. 

He  was  quite  ready  to  buy  some,  and  applied  to  the 
captain,  but  Captain  Smith  had  no  more  than  he  de- 
sired for  his  own  use.  He  occasionally  invited  the 
professor  to  take  a  glass,  in  his  own  cabin,  but  this 
by  no  means  satisfied  Mr.  Puffer.  The  enforced  ab- 
stinence made  him  irritable,  and  he  vented  this  irri- 
tation on  Bernard,  with  the  result  of  making  the  boy 
shun  his  company. 

.  "  Where  do  you  keep  yourself  all  the  time  ? " 
asked  Professor  Puffer,  one  afternoon.  "  I  haven't 
seen  you  for  hours." 

123 


124:     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Have  jou  anj  work  for  me  to  do  ?  "  asked  Ber- 
nard hopefully. 

"  ISTo.     I  shall  do  no  work  on  board  ship." 

"  Would  you  like  to  have  me  read  to  you  ?  " 

"  You  may  read  the  morning  paper  if  you  can  find 
one,"  sneered  the  professor. 

But  it  appeared  that  Professor  Puffer  had  nothing 
for  him  to  do,  and  had  only  complained  of  his  ab- 
sence because  he  was  irritable,  and  wanted  something 
to  find  fault  with, 

Bernard  made  the  acquaintance  of  one  of  the  sail- 
ors, Jack  Staples,  who  was  a  stout,  good-humored  man 
of  thirty.  He  possessed  a  shrewd  intelligence  that 
interested  Bernard,  and  he  often  chatted  with  him 
about  his  Vermont  home. 

"  How  came  you  to  go  to  sea  ?  "  asked  Bernard 
one  day. 

"  Well,  you  see,  my  father  died  and  my  mother 
married  again.  You  never  had  a  stepfather,  I  take 
it." 

"  ISTo ;  my  mother  died  when  I  was  a  baby,  and  my 
father  when  I  was  five  years  old." 

"  That  was  bad  luck." 

"  Yes,"  answered  Bernard  gravely. 

"  I  think,"  said  Jack,  shifting  his  quid  of  tobacco 
from  one  cheek  to  the  other,  "  that  I  was  about  fif- 
teen when  my  mother  told  me  that  she  had  decided 


JACK  STAPLES.  125 

to  marry  Mr.  Stubbs.  Stubbs  kept  a  grocery  store 
in  the  village,  and  passed  for  a  man  well  to  do.  My 
mother  had  about  two  thousand  dollars,  left  by  my 
father,  and  she  did  some  dressmaking,  while  I  did 
chores  for  the  neighbors,  and  sometimes  worked  on  a 
farm,  so  that  between  us  we  made  a  comfortable  liv- 
ing, and  always  had  enough  to  eat.  When  mother 
told  me  that,  I  felt  very  much  upset,  for  I  didn't  like 
Mr.  Stubbs,  who  was  a  mean,  grasping  man,  and  I 
tried  to  get  her  off  the  notion  of  marrying  him.  But 
it  was  of  no  use.    She  said  she  had  given  her  word. 

*' '  Besides,'  she  added,  '  we  haven't  got  much 
money,  Jack,  and  Mr.  Stubbs  says  he  will  support 
us  both  in  comfort.' 

"  ^  Are  you  going  to  give  him  your  money,, 
mother  ? '  I  asked. 

"  '  Well,  yes,  Jack.  Mr.  Stubbs  says  he  can  use 
it  in  his  business,  and  he  will  allow  me  interest  on 
it  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent.  You  know  I  only  get 
five  per  cent  in  the  savings  bank.' 

"  '  It  is  safe  in  the  savings  bank,'  I  said. 

" '  And  so  it  will  be  with  Mr.  Stubbs.  He  is  a. 
good,  honorable  man.' 

"  '  I  don't  know  about  that.  All  the  boys  in  town 
dislike  him.' 

"  *  He  says  they  tease  him,  and  steal  apples  and 
other  things  from  the  store,'  she  replied. 


126  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  '  I  don't  like  the  idea  of  having  such  a  man  as 
that  for  mj  father.' 

"  '  He  is  going  to  put  you  into  his  store,  and  teach 
jou  business,  and  make  a  man  of  you,'  she  said. 

"  I  made  a  wry  face,  for  I  knew  of  one  or  two  boys 
,  who  had  worked  for  Stubbs,  and  complained  that  he 
had  treated  them  like  niggers.  However,  I  soon 
found  that  it  was  no  use  talking  to  mother,  for  she 
had  made  up  her  mind  and  I  couldn't  alter  it.  In  a 
month  she  changed  her  name  to  Stubbs,  and  we  went 
to  live  at  the  house  of  my  stepfather. 

"  I  soon  found  that  he  lived  very  meanly.  Wq 
didn't  live  half  so  well  as  mother  and  I  had  before 
she  married,  although  our  means  were  small.  I  went 
into  the  store,  and  I  never  worked  so  hard  in  my 
life.  I  went  to  bed  tired,  and  I  got  up  at  five  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  feeling  more  tired  than  when  I  went 
to  bed.  Presently  I  needed  some  new  clothes,  so  I 
went  to  mother,  and  asked  for  some.  She  applied  to 
Stubbs,  but  he  refused  to  get  them  for  me. 

"  '  The  boy  is  proud,'  he  said.  '  He  wants  to  look 
like  a  dude.  I  won't  encourage  him  in  such  foolish- 
ness.' 

" '  He  really  needs  some  new  clothes,'  pleaded 
mother. 

"  '  Then  he  can  buy  them  himself,'  he  returned. 


JACK  STAPLES.  127 

*'  *  I  will  buy  some  out  of  my  interest  money/  said 
mother. 

"  '  Your  interest  isn't  due,'  he  said  shortly. 

"  '  You  might  advance  me  a  little/  she  returned. 
'  Say,  ten  dollars.' 

"  But  he  wouldn't  do  it,  and  while  I  am  on  the  sub- 
ject I  may  as  well  say  that  he  never  did  pay  her  the 
interest  he  promised.  Of  course  he  had  to  give  her 
a  few  dollars  now  and  then,  but  I  don't  think  it 
amounted  to  more  than  thirty  or  forty  dollars  a  year, 
while  she  was  entitled  to  a  hundred  and  twenty." 

"  He  must  have  been  a  mean  man,"  said  Bernard, 
in  a  tone  of  sympathy. 

"  Mean  was  no  name  for  it.  I  tried  to  get  him  to 
pay  me  wages,  no  matter  how  small,  so  that  I  could 
have  something  to  spend  for  myself,  but  it  was  of  no 
use.  He  wouldn't  agree  to  it.  Finally  I  told  mother 
I  couldn't  stand  it  any  longer ;  I  must  run  away  and 
earn  my  own  living.  She  felt  bad  about  having  me 
go,  but  she  saw  how  I  was  treated,  and  she  cried  a 
little,  but  didn't  say  much.  So  I  ran  away,  and  when 
I  reached  Boston  I  tried  to  get  a  place.  This  I 
couldn't  do,  as  I  had  no  friends  and  no  one  to  recom- 
mend me ;  and  finally,  not  knowing  what  else  to  do, 
I  shipped  as  a  sailor." 

"  Have  you  ever  been  home  since  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  went  two  or  three  times,  and  I  always  car- 


128  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

ried  some  money  to  mother,  who  needed  it  enough, 
poor  woman !  Finally  I  went  home  two  years  since 
and  I  found  that  my  mother  was  dead ;  "  and  Jack 
wiped  away  a  tear  from  his  eye.  "  I  don't  think  I 
shall  ever  go  there  again." 

"  And  did  Mr.  Stubbs  keep  your  mother's  money  ?" 
asked  Bernard. 

"  You  may  be  sure  he  did.  But  it  didn't  do  him 
much  good." 

"  How  is  that  ?  " 

"  His  store  burned  down.  Some  say  it  was  set  on 
fire  by  an  enemy,  and  he  had  plenty.  It  wasn't  in- 
sured, for  the  insurance  company  had  increased  its 
rates,  and  Mr.  Stubbs  was  too  mean  to  pay  them. 
Then  in  trying  to  put  out  the  fire — it  was  a  cold  win- 
ter night — he  caught  a  bad  cold  which  brought  on 
consumption,  and  finally  made  him  helpless.  Would 
you  like  to  know  where  he  is  now  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  He  is  in  the  poorhouse,  for  all  his  means  had 
melted  away.  The  man  in  charge  is  about  as  amiable 
as  Stubbs  himself,  and  I  have  no  doubt  he  has  a 
pretty  hard  time  of  it.  I  don't  pity  him,  for  my  part, 
for  he  made  my  mother  unhappy,  and  drove  me  to 
sea." 

"  I  am  sorry  for  you.  Jack.    Your  luck  has  been 


JACK  STAPLES.  12& 

worse  than  mine.  My  father  and  mother  are  both 
dead,  but  as  long  as  they  lived  they  fared  well." 

''  ]S[o  one  ever  tried  to  rob  them  of  money,  as  my 
mother  was  robbed  of  her  small  fortune  ?  " 

"  I  don't  feel  sure  of  that,"  said  Bernard  thought- 
fully. 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  " 

Then  Bernard  told  Jack  what  he  had  heard  from 
Alvin  Franklin  about  his  father's  having  had  money, 
and  of  his  suspicion  that  Mr.  McCracken  had  appro- 
priated it. 

The  story  made  an  impression  on  Jack  Staples. 

"  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  you  were  right,  Bernard," 
he  said.  "  He  seems  to  have  treated  you  in  a  queer 
way.    What  sort  of  a  man  is  this  Professor  Puffer  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  much  about  him." 

"  Do  you  like  him  ?  " 

"  No." 

"  I'll  tell  you  what — he  looks  to  me  like  my  step- 
father." 

"  I  am  puzzled  about  him,"  said  Bernard.  "  He 
doesn't  look  in  the  least  like  a  literary  man,  or  a  pro- 
fessor." 

".That's  so." 

"  Then  I  find  he  is  intemperate.  I  haven't  been 
able  to  learn  anything  about  his  business,  or  studies, 
but  he  is  fond  of  whisky.  Do  you  know.  Jack,  I 
9 


130  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTUitES. 

don't  believe  I  shall  be  content  to  stay  with  him  very 
loMg." 

"Is  he  a  friend  of  your  guardian!" 

"  I  suppose  so." 

"  Are  you  to  get  any  pay  ?  " 

"  Twenty-five  dollars  a  month  and  my  expenses." 

"  That  is  good — if  you  get  it." 

"Don't  you  think  I  will?" 

"  I  don't  think  you'll  get  it  any  more  than  my 
mother  got  her  interest." 

"  Then  I  certainly  shall  not  stay  with  him." 

"  But  what  can  you  do  ?    You  will  be  in  Europe." 

"  I  don't  know,  Jack,  but  I  think  I  shall  get  along 
somehow." 

"  To  my  mind  your  guardian  had  some  object  in 
putting  you  with  such  a  man." 

"  Perhaps  so,  but  I  may  be  doing  Mr.  McCracken 
an  injustice." 

"  If  ever  you  get  into  trouble,  Bernard,  don't  for- 
get that  Jack  Staples  is  your  friend.  I  have  got  a 
few  dollars  stowed  away  in  a  bank  at  home,  and  they 
are  yours  if  you  need  them." 

"  I  will  remember  it.  Jack,  and  thank  you,  whether 
I  need  them  or  not." 

A  day  or  two  later  something  happened  that  made 
Bernard  still  more  suspicious  of  his  guardian  and 
Professor  Puffer. 


CHAPTEK  XVI. 


A  SCRAP  OF  PAPEE. 


Bernard  was  in  the  stateroom  one  day  during  ihe 
absence  of  Professor  Puffer,  when  he  noticed  on  the 
floor  a  fragment  of  paper,  looking  like  a  portion  of 
a  letter  with  writing  upon  it.  He  picked  it  up  and 
mechanically  read  the  words  which  it  contained. 

The  paper  had  been  torn  irregularly  across,  so  that 
it  contained  no  complete  sentence.  The  words  it  did 
contain  arrested  his  attention.  This  is  a  transcript 
of  them : 

the  boy 
in  my  way.    Would  like  to  get  rid 
don't  bring  him  back 
to  your  discretion. 

Bernard  could  not  doubt  that  the  reference  was  to 
him,  and  that  the  letter  of  which  this  was  a  fragment 
had  been  written  by  his  guardian,  as  a  document  of 
instruction  to  Professor  Puffer.  It  was  clear  that 
the  professor  was  an  agent  of  Mr.  McCracken,  and 

131 


132     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

that  the  latter  was  anxious  to  get  him  out  of  the 
way. 

But  how  ?  How  much  danger  was  involved  in  this 
unfriendly  disposition  of  his  guardian  ?  Again,  why 
did  he  want  to  get  rid  of  him  ?  These  were  questions 
which  Bernard  found  himself  unable  to  answer. 

It  was  clear,  however,  that  his  engagement  as  pri- 
vate secretary  was  only  a  subterfuge  in  order  to  get 
him  under  the  charge  of  Puffer,  who  was  evidently  no 
professor  at  all.  It  seemed  an  elaborate  and  clumsy 
device  on  the  part  of  Mr.  McCracken,  but  Bernard 
must  take  things  as  he  found  them,  and  form  his 
own  plans  accordingly. 

He  wished  he  could  have  seen  the  whole  letter, 
as  the  additional  information  it  contained  might  help 
him  to  a  decision.  One  thing,  however,  seemed  evi- 
dent; that  it  would  be  wise  to  part  company  with 
Professor  Puffer  as  soon  as  practicable  after  he 
reached  Europe.  On  the  ship  it  was  policy  for  him  to 
continue  the  companionship,  and  leave  the  professor 
ignorant  of  the  discovery  he  had  made. 

Bernard  considered  whether  he  had  better  commun- 
icate the  contents  of  the  scrap  of  paper  to  any  one  on 
board.  On  the  whole,  it  seemed  wise,  in  case  any- 
thing should  happen.  There  was  not  one  of  the  pas- 
sengers whom  he  felt  like  taking  into  his  confidence. 


A  SCRAP  OF  PAPER.  133 

Dr.  Felix  Hampton  had  no  thought  except  for  his 
bilious  tonic,  and  Bernard  doubted  if  he  was  a  man  of 
discretion.  Nelson  Sturgis  was  probably  reliable,  and 
seemed  friendly,  but,  upon  the  whole,  Bernard  pre- 
ferred to  intrust  the  secret  to  Jack  Staples.  He  was 
an  humble  friend,  but  a  man  to  be  trusted.  He  there- 
fore took  the  earliest  opportunity  of  speaking  to  Jack. 

"  I've  got  something  to  show  you,  Jack,"  he  said, 
when  he  found  the  sailor  alone. 
.    "  All  right,  lad.    What  is  it  ?  " 

"  This  scrap  of  paper." 

"  Do  you  want  me  to  give  you  my  opinion  of  your 
handwriting  ?  " 

"  It  isn't  my  handwriting." 

"  Whose,  then  ?  " 

"  To  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  it  is  the  handwrit- 
ing of  my  guardian,  Cornelius  McCracken." 

Jack  studied  the  paper,  and  then  asked  quietly: 
"  Where  did  you  find  this,  lad  ?  " 

"  In  my  stateroom.     It  was  dropped,  no  doubt,  by 
Professor  Puffer." 

"  So  I  surmised.    You  think  it  was  written  to  him 
by  your  guardian  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  that.    Now, 
what  do  you  think  it  means,  Jack  ?  " 

"  It  means  mischief,"  said  Jack  sententiously.  "  It 


134     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

was  written  by  one  rascal  to  another.  Of  course,  by 
'  the  boy  '  he  means  you." 

"  Yes." 

"  And  he  wants  to  get  rid  of  you  ?  " 

Bernard  nodded. 

"  If  we  had  the  whole  letter  we  could  see  into  this 
thing  better.  How  did  he  expect  that  professor  fel- 
low to  get  rid  of  you  ?  " 

"  That's  the  question  I've  been  asking  myself,  but 
I  can't  answer  it." 

"  What  do  you  think  of  doing,  lad  ?  " 

"  I  shall  leave  the  professor  as  soon  as  I  get  a 
chance." 

"  Yes,  that's  sensible." 

"  But  I  can't  leave  him  while  we  are  on  shipboard. 
I  must  wait  till  we  get  to  the  other  side." 

"  I  suppose  he  wouldn't  try  to  do  you  any  harm  on 
board  the  Vesta,"  said  the  sailor  thoughtfully. 

"  I  don't  think  so." 

"  Still,  it's  best  to  watch." 

^'  I  was  going  to  ask  you  to  do  that,  Jack." 

"  So  I  will,  lad,  as  well  as  I  can,  but  you  know  I'm 
just  a  sailor,  and  my  duties  on  this  here  vessel  don't 
give  me  much  of  a  chance." 

"  That's  true,  Jack." 

"  Do  you  think  that  he'll  suspect  that  you've  got 
the  paper  ?  " 


A  SCRAP  OF  PAPER.  135 

"  I  can't  tell  yet.  It  seems  to  have  been  torn  off, 
perhaps,  for  a  lighter.    He  may  not  miss  it." 

"  If  he  had  sense  he'd  guard  such  a  letter  as  that 
carefully." 

"  I  would,  if  it  were  mine,  hut  some  men  are  care- 
less, and  I  think  he  is  one  of  that  kind." 

"  You  mean  to  leave  him  when  you  get  to  the  other 
side?" 

"  Yes,  Jack." 

"  Have  you  any  money  ?  " 

"  Only  a  few  dollars." 

"  If  I  was  only  at  home,  lad,  I'd  see  that  you  had 
money.  But  all  my  money — over  a  hundred  dollars," 
added  Jack,  with  pride — "  is  in  a  savings  bank  in 
York.    I  don't  carry  any  money  wdth  me." 

"  Thank  you,  all  the  same,  Jack ;  I  guess  I'll  get 
along  somehow." 

"  It's  a  hard  thing  to  be  three  thousand  miles  away 
from  home  without  brass.  Still,  there's  one  thing  in 
your  favor,  lad." 

"  What  is  that  ?  " 

"  You're  sure  to  make  friends.  Why,  I  was  your 
friend  as  soon  as  I  clapped  eyes  on  you." 

"  Thank  you.  Jack ;  but  all  may  not  be  as  friendly 
as  you." 

"  You'll  get  along,  lad ;  take  my  word  for  that." 

"  Your  words   encourage  me,   Jack.      Any  way, 


136     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

I'd  rather  trust  a  perfect  stranger  than  Professor 
Puffer." 

"  I  surmise  you're  right  there,  lad." 

Bernard  was  curious  to  find  out  whether  the  pro- 
fessor had  discovered  the  loss  of  the  telltale  scrap  of 
paper.  He  therefore  watched  him  carefully,  think- 
ing that  he  might  learn  this  by  his  manner.  But 
Professor  Puffer  didn't  appear  to  suspect  anything, 
and  Bernard  took  care  not  to  betray  by  his  own  man- 
ner that  he  had  made  any  discovery. 

Days  passed — a  period  more  than  long  enough 
to  reach  their  destined  port  had  the  Vesta  been 
a  steamer,  but  being  only  a  sailing  vessel,  contrary 
winds  kept  her  back,  and  when  twenty  days  had 
passed  they  were  still  out  at  sea.  Both  Jack  and 
Bernard  kept  the  professor  under  careful  watch,  but 
neither  one  detected  anything  of  a  suspicious  char- 
acter. 

This  Bernard  remarked  to  Jack  one  day. 

"  You're  right,  lad ;  the  time  hasn't  come  yet.  The 
mischief  he's  up  to  isn't  on  board  ship.  He  will  wait 
till  he  has  you  on  shore." 

"  If  he  does  that,  it'll  be  too  late,  for  as  soon  as  we 
reach  port,  or  as  soon  after  as  I  can,I  mean  to  leave 
him." 

"  That'll  be  the  best  way.  Didn't  you  tell  me  he 
was  going  to  pay  you  a  salary  ?  " 


A  SCRAP  OF  PAPER.  137 

"Yes." 

"  How  much  ?  " 

"  Twenty-five  dollars  a  month." 

"  More  than  half  the  month  has  passed.  Why 
don't  you  strike  him  for  a  part  of  your  salary  ?  " 

"  He  would  think  I  had  no  use  for  money  on 
board." 

"  All  the  same,  lad,  ask  him.  It  won't  do  no  harm, 
and  if  you  get  anything,  it  will  help  you  after  you 
have  left  him.  You  can't  get  along  in  England  with- 
out money,  or,  for  that  matter,  anywhere  else." 

"  I  can  think  of  one  place,  Jack." 

'MVhere'sthat?" 

"  Where  Robinson  Crusoe  was  wrecked  on  a  deso- 
late island  money  was  of  no  use  to  him,  though  I  be- 
lieve some  was  saved  from  the  wreck." 

"  You're  right  there,  lad ;  but  as  soon  as  he  got  off 
it  would  help  him." 

"  Well,  Jack,  I'll  take  your  advice,  and  let  you 
know  what  he  says." 

Accordingly,  the  next  day,  when  Bernard  found 
himself  alone  with  Professor  Puffer,  he  said:  "  I 
have  been  with  you  about  twenty  days,  professor." 

"  Is  it  as  long  as  that  ?    ^Vhat  of  it  ?  " 

"  I  thought  you  might  be  willing  to  advance  me 
half  a  month's  salary  ?  " 


138     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  do  you  want  of  money  ?  There  are  no 
shops  on  the  Vesta." 

"  That's  true,  but  I  should  feel  a  bit  more  com- 
fortable with  a  little  money  in  my  pocket." 

"  Do  you  want  to  play  for  money  ?  " 

"  1^0,  sir." 

"  You  can't  use  any  money  till  you  get  to  Liver- 
pool." 

"  I  know  it,  sir,  but " 

"  When  you  get  there  I  will  give  you  some ;  till 
then  you  have  no  occasion  for  any.  Besides,  you 
have  done  no  work." 

"  I  have  been  ready  for  work  if  you  had  any  for 
me." 

"  That's  all  right.  You  shall  have  a  chance  to 
work  in  due  time.  We  couldn't  do  any  work  on  the 
ship." 

Bernard  had  to  be  content  with  this.  He  reflected 
that  if  the  professor  carried  out  his  promise,  and  gave 
him  half  a  month's  salary  on  reaching  Liverpool,  that 
would  be  as  soon  as  he  would  have  any  use  for  it. 

As  the  voyage  drew  nearer  and  nearer  the  end, 
Bernard  grew  excited.  A  new  life  lay  before  him. 
What  would  be  the  result  of  his  efforts  to  make  his 
own  living,  after  he  had  left  the  professor  ? 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

beenard's  peril. 

One  evening  Bernard  was  standing  at  the  side  of 
the  vessel,  looking  out  over  the  waste  of  waters,  and 
wondering  what  was  to  be  his  future.  It  was  quite 
dark,  so  that  he  was  unable  to  see  far. 

Pie  felt  that  this  symbolized  his  own  life.  He  ■ 
could  not  see  far  ahead  of  him,  and  what  he  could 
see  was  obscure.  He  didn't  dream  that  he  was  in 
great  peril,  and  yet  the  greatest  danger  of  his  life 
hung  over  him.  Whence  did  it  come  ?  The  night 
was  still,  and  the  waves  were  calm.  Nature  was 
kind,  but  the  peril  came  from  a  human  source. 

All  at  once  he  felt  himself  lifted  in  a  pair  of 
powerful  arms — lifted  to  a  level  with  the  rail,  so 
that  his  startled  eyes  looked  down  in  helpless  fear 
upon  the  cruel  waves  beneath.  He  uttered  a  sharp 
cry,  and  this  saved  his  life. 

His  stanch  friend,  Jack  Staples,  was  close  at  hand. 
He  sprang  forward  and  grasped  Professor  Puffer  by 
the  throat,  at  the  same  time  tearing  Bernard  from 
his  grasp. 

"  You  scoundrel !  "  ejaculated  the  indignant  sailor. 
139 


140  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  are  you  about  ?  Do  you  mean  to  murder  the 
boy?" 

Professor  Puffer,  who  had  thought  himself  quite 
unobserved,  was  as  much  startled  as  his  victim  had 
been,  but  he  was  shrewd  and  tricky. 

He  passed  his  hand  to  his  forehead,  as  he  fell 
back,  and  said,  in  a  dazed  tone :  "  What  is  the  mat- 
ter ?    Where  am  I  ?  " 

"  Where  are  you  ?  "  retorted  the  incensed  sailor. 
"  If  you  were  where  you  ought  to  be,  you  would  now 
be  on  the  gallows." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  your  insolence,  you  low 
sailor  ?  "  exclaimed  Puffer. 

"  I  mean  that  I  have  a  great  mind  to  treat  you  as 
you  were  treating  the  boy.  You  were  about  to  mur- 
der him,  you  scoundrel !  " 

"  There  is  some  mistake,"  said  Puffer.  "  I — I 
had  a  severe  headache,  and  I  was  out  of  my  head. 
I  must  have  been  walking  in  my  sleep.  What  was  I 
doing?" 

"  You  were  trying  to  throw  the  boy  into  the  sea. 
You  know  that  well  enough." 

"  Good  heavens !  You  don't  mean  it  ?  "  ejaculated 
Puffer,  with  well  counterfeited  horror.  "  I  can't  be- 
lieve it.    And  you  prevented  it  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  did.  But  for  me,  the  boy  would  have  been 
drowned." 


BERNARD'S  PERIL.  141 

"  Mj  honest  friend,"  said  the  professor  effusively, 
"  you  have  done  me  a  great — the  greatest  service. 
You  have  saved  me  from  a  terrible  crime.  Let  me 
shake  your  hand !  " 

"  ]^o/'  said  Jack,  drawing  back,  "  I  won't  take  the 
hand  of  a  murderer — leastways,  of  one  who  attempted 
to  murder." 

"  Don't  say  that,  my  worthy  friend.  You  hurt 
my  feelings.  At  least,  let  me  show  my  appreciation 
of  your  great  service.     Here's  a  gold  piece " 

"  Keep  your  money ;  I  don't  want  it,"  said  Jack 
scornfully. 

"  At  any  rate,"  went  on  the  professor,  crestfallen, 
"  let  me  hope  that  you  will  keep  this  unfortunate 
affair  to  yourself.  It  would  do  no  good  to  reveal  it, 
and  it  would  put  me  in  a  false  position." 

"  I  won't  promise  anything,"  said  Jack  suspicious- 
ly. "  Only,  if  you  try  to  hurt  a  hair  of  this  boy's  head 
again  I'll  have  you  in  jail  as  soon  as  we  reach  port." 

"  Oh,  how  you  mistake  me !  "  murmured  the  pro- 
fessor sadly.  "  Yet  I  cannot  blame  you.  It  certainly 
did  look  suspicious." 

"  I  should  say  it  did." 

"  And  I  cannot  blame  you  for  your  very  natural 
prejudice  against  me.  How  should  you  know  my 
kindness  of  heart?    I  would  not  even  harm  an  animal 


142  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

— much  less  a  bright,  promising  hoj,  for  whom  I 
cherish  a  warm  affection." 

Bernard  was  not  deceived  by  the  professor's  pro- 
testations. He  had  never  noticed  any  affection  on 
the  part  of  his  companion,  and  felt  sure  that  the  ac- 
tion was  premeditated.  He  realized  that  Puffer  was 
only  carrying  out  the  instructions  of  his  guardian, 
and  that  it  was  in  this  way  he  had  decided  to  "  get 
rid  of  him." 

"  Stow  that,"  said  Jack  contemptuously.  "  You 
don't  deceive  me  with  your  smooth  talk." 

"  I  must  submit  to  your  injustice,  my  worthy  fel- 
low, for  I  know  that  you  are  a  true  friend  to  the  boy, 
and,  therefore,  I  freely  forgive  you.  But  you,  Ber- 
nard, I  trust  you  acquit  me  of  the  terrible  crime 
which  this  honest  sailor  thinks  I  premeditated  ?  " 

"  I  won't  express  any  opinion.  Professor  Puffer," 
replied  Bernard  coldly.  "  I  can  only  say  that  but 
for  him  you  would  have  taken  my  life." 

"  This  is  indeed  hard,"  whined  the  professor,  "  to 
feel  that  you  hate  and  distrust  me.  But  I  will  prove 
to  you  that  I  am  a  better  friend  than  you  think  me. 
You  asked  me  the  other  day  for  some  money  on  ac- 
count ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  I  said  I  would  wait  till  we  landed.  "Now  I  will 
voluntarily   anticipate  payment.      Here   are  fifteen 


BERNARD'S  PERIL.  143 

dollars.  You  can  convert  them  into  English  money 
when  you  reach  Liverpool." 

"  I  will  take  the  money,  Professor  Puffer,  because 
it  is  rightfully  mine,  but  I  cannot  forget  the  terrible 
fate  to  which  you  attempted  to  consign  me." 

"  You  will  think  better  of  me  in  time,  Bernard.  I 
can  bring  you  a  medical  certificate  to  prove  to  you 
that  I  am  subject  to  fits  of  sleep  walking." 

"  Have  you  ever  attempted  to  kill  any  one  in  these 
fits  before  ?  " 

"  1^0,  thank  heaven !  I  can't  account  for  my  ac- 
tion to-night.  But  it  is  getting  late;  we  had  better 
go  to  bed." 

"  I  will  never  occupy  the  stateroom  with  you 
again !  "  said  Bernard  hastily. 

"  Don't  be  foolish,"  returned  the  professor  testily. 
"  You  surely  don't  suppose  you  are  in  any  further 
peril  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  about  that.  According  to  your  own 
statement,  you  are  subject  to  fits  of  sleep  walking, 
when  you  are  not  responsible  for  what  you  do." 

"  They  occur  only  at  rare  intervals.  The  last  one 
was  two  months  since.  Come  to  the  stateroom.  Your 
omission  to  do  so  will  only  create  scandal." 

"  Let  it,"  said  Bernard  resolutely.  "  It  won't  be 
my  fault.  There  is  nothing  that  I  am  afraid  to  have 
revealed." 


144  BERNARD  BROOICS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  But  can't  jou  see  what  a  position  it  will  put  me 
in?" 

"  I  can't  help  that,  Professor  Puffer." 

"  But  you  can't  go  without  sleep." 

"  'No,  I  shall  not  like  to,  but  I  would  rather  lie 
down  on  deck  than  occupy  the  stateroom  with  you." 

"  You  are  making  a  fool  of  yourself,"  said  the 
professor,  biting  his  lip. 

"  The  lad  is  right,"  said  Jack.  "  He  won't  have 
to  sit  up  all  night.  There  is  a  vacant  bunk  near 
mine,  and  if  he  isn't  too  proud  to  sleep  with  rough 
sailors,  he  can  pass  the  night  there." 

"  I  will  do  it  Jack,"  said  Bernard.  "  I  haven't 
any  foolish  pride.  If  the  forecastle  is  fit  for  you  to 
sleep  in,  it's  fit  for  me." 

He  walked  off  with  Jack,  and  Professor  Puffer  was 
left  gnawing  his  lip. 

"  What  a  scrape  I  have  got  into !  "  he  said  to  him- 
self. "  But  for  that  rascally  sailor  the  boy  would 
have  dropped  into  the  water  and  that  would  have  been 
the  last  of  him.  Then  I  would  have  got  a  thousand 
dollars  from  Mr.  McCracken,  and  had  a  hold  on  him 
that  would  have  amounted  to  a  great  deal  more.  As 
it  is,  unless  the  sailor  and  the  boy  keep  silent,  I  shall 
be  in  the  worst  scrape  of  my  life." 

A  little  reflection,  however,  allayed  the  fears  of 
Professor  Puffer.     In  a  short  time  the  boy  and  Jack 


BERNARD'S  PERIL.  145 

would  part  company,  and  if  Bernard  ever  brought  up 
this  subject  again,  and  charged  him  with  attempted 
murder,  his  testimony  would  be  unsupported,  and 
would  carry  very  little  weight  with  it,  especially  as 
Mr.  McCracken  would  side  with  him  against  the  boy. 
'  Bernard  slept  that  night  in  the  forecastle,  and  en- 
joyed as  good  a  night's  rest  as  usual.  The  next  day 
he  was  transferred,  at  Mr.  Puffer's  request,  to  a  va- 
cant stateroom,  on  the  ground  that  he  could  not  sleep 
as  well  with  another  person  in  the  same  room.  The 
purser  asked  why  he  had  waited  so  long  before  sug- 
gesting the  change. 

"  I  didn't  want  to  make  trouble,"  replied  the  pro- 
fessor carelessly. 

As  Professor  Puffer  agreed  to  pay  extra  for  the  ad- 
ditional stateroom,  no  objections  were  made,  and 
henceforth — though  it  was  only  for  three  nights — 
Bernard  had  a  room  to  himself. 

I^othing  more,  happened  worth  noting  till  the  Vesta 
reached  Liverpool. 

Bernard  was  exercised  in  mind.  He  had  fully  de- 
termined to  leave  the  professor,  but  it  was  not  neces- 
sary to  do  so  immediately.  He  was  afraid  also  that 
Puffer,  claiming  guardianship,  would  have  him  pur- 
sued if  he  fled  from  him.  He  would  easily  be  able 
to  establish  the  fact  that  Bernard  was  under  his 
charge,  and  this  might  embarrass  him. 
10 


146  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Come,  Bernard,"  said  Professor  Puffer,  "  I  want 
you  to  get  your  luggage  ready.  We  shall  go  ashore 
as  soon  as  the  custom  officers  have  examined  it." 

"  Where  are  you  going,  sir  ?  " 
.  "  To  the  Albion  Hotel." 

"  If  I  go  with  you,  you  must  have  a  separate  room 
for  me." 

"  Haven't  you  got  over  that  old  folly  ?  That  will 
make  an  extra  expense." 

"  I  can't  help  that,  sir.  You  have  made  it  neces- 
sary." 

Professor  Puffer  was  very  angry,  but  he  reflected 
that  it  would  not  be  wise  to  make  a  fuss,  as  it  would 
lead  to  a  revelation  from  Bernard  that  would  embar- 
rass him,  at  the  least,  especially  as  Jack  Staples  was 
at  hand  ready  to  confirm  any  allegation  that  his  ward 
might  make. 

"  Very  well,"  he  said  shortly. 

They  were  conveyed  to  the  Albion  Hotel,  and  a 
small  room  was  assigned  to  Bernard,  adjoining  the 
larger  one  occupied  by  Professor  Puffer. 

"  Good-by,  Jack,"  said  Bernard,  grasping  the  hon- 
est sailor's  hand  warmly.  "  You  have  been  a  good 
friend  to  me.  But  for  you  I  wouldn't  have  lived  to 
reach  Liverpool." 

"  How  long  are  you  going  to  stay  with  the  pro- 
fessor ?  "  asked  Jack. 


BERNARD'S  PERIL.  147 


"  mt  lonff." 


"  That's  right,  lad.  You  can't  trust  him.  He's 
a  snake  in  the  grass," 

"  I  have  the  same  opinion  of  him  that  you  have, 
Jack.  I  won't  trust  him,  and  I  shall  leave  him  very 
soon.  But  I  want  a  little  time  to  think  about  my 
plans." 

"  God  bless  you,  lad !  If  you  ever  get  into  trouble, 
think  of  Jack  Staples." 

"  I  will,  Jack ;  "  and  so  the  two  friends  parted. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


THE  EVENTS  OF  A  NIGHT. 


The  chamber  at  the  Albion  Hotel  occupied  by  Ber- 
nard was  a  small  one,  connecting  bj  a  side  door  with 
the  larger  one  which  had  been  taken  by  Professor 
Puffer.  Bernard  was  not  ordinarily  suspicious,  but 
his  distrust  of  his  traveling  companion  led  him  to 
examine  carefully  the  door  leading  into  the  larger 
room.  It  seemed  to  be  locked,  but  the  key  was  prob- 
ably in  the  other  room,  at  the  disposal  of  its  occupant. 

This  did  not  suit  Bernard's  views,  and  he,  with 
some  difficulty,  pushed  up  the  bureau  so  that  it  would 
bar  the  entrance  even  if  the  door  were  opened.  This 
Professor  Puffer  didn't  know. 

Both  retired  at  a  comparatively  early  hour.  It 
was  quite  dark,  when  Bernard,  rousing  from  a  light 
slumber,  thought  he  heard  a  noise  near  the  door.  He 
was  instantly  wide  awake. 

Presently  he  heard  a  key  grating  in  the  lock,  and 
then  he  saw  the  door  behind  the  bureau  open.  There 
was  a  light  in  the  adjoining  room.     By  the  help  of 

148 


THE  EVENTS  OF  A  NIGHT.  149 

this  Bernard  saw  the  figure  and  face  of  the  professor 
as  he  peered  into  the  room. 

Evidently  he  was  surprised  and  disconoerted  at 
the  sight  of  the  bureau.  He  looked  over  towards  the 
bed,  but  this  was  in  shadow,  and  he  could  not  see 
Bernard  gazing  at  him.  He  made  an  attempt  to  move 
the  bureau,  but  it  was  heavy,  and  it  could  not  be  done 
without  making  a  noise  likely  to  wake  a  sleeper. 

"  Confound  it !  "  Bernard  heard  the  professor 
mutter,  and  then,  after  a  pause,  he  closed  the  door 
and  locked  it. 

"  What  was  he  going  to  do  ?  "  Bernard  asked  him- 
self, not  without  alarm.  "  Did  he  wish  to  do  me  any 
harm  ?  " 

This  question  was  readily  asked,  but  not  so  easily 
answered.  Bernard  remained  awake  for  some  time, 
being  almost  afraid  to  go  to  sleep.  After  a  while, 
however,  he  reflected  that  Professor  Puffer  would  not 
dare  to  make  a  second  attempt. 

Besides,  he  was  a  light  sleeper,  and  the  noise 
which  Puffer  must  unavoidably  make  would  be  sure 
to  waken  him.  So  after  a  while  he  fell  asleep,  and 
did  not  wake  up  till  seven  o'clock.  His  first  step 
was  to  remove  the  bureau  to  its  former  place.  Then 
he  began  to  dress. 

He  had  nearly  finished  the  process  when  a  knock 
was  heard  at  the  door  leading  into  the  hall. 


150  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Bernard  opened  it,  and  his  glance  rested  on  Pro- 
fessor Puffer. 

"  Are  you  nearly  ready  to  go  down  to  breakfast  ?  " 
asked  the  professor. 

"  Yes,  sir." 

Unbidden  Puffer  entered  the  room  and  looked 
quickly  towards  the  connecting  door.  He  observed 
that  the  bureau  had  been  removed.  He  frowned 
slightly,  but  did  not  refer  to  the  matter. 

"  Did  you  sleep  well  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  Bernard. 

"  So  did  I.  I  was  conscious  of  nothing  until  I 
woke  up  this  morning." 

He  glanced  at  Bernard,  to  see  whether  this  state- 
ment made  any  impression  upon  him.  He  wished  to 
ascertain  whether  Bernard  had  been  aware  of  his  at- 
tempted entrance  during  the  night, 

Bernard  made  no  comment. 

"  Liverpool  seems  to  be  a  good  place  to  sleep,"  he 
went  on.  "  It  seems  good  to  step  on  shore  after  so 
long  a  time  on  shipboard." 

"  You  are  right." 

"  Are  you  ready  to  go  down  to  breakfast  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Come  down  then.     I  feel  hungry." 

They  went  into  the  coffee  room,  and  were  soon 
served  with  mutton  chops,  beautiful,  flaky  potatoes, 


THE  EVENTS  OF  A  NIGHT.  151 

coffee,  and  bread  and  butter.  The  chops  were  good, 
and  the  coffee  as  good  as  the  average  British  article 
of  that  name. 

In  spite  of  the  disturbance  of  the  night  before,  Ber- 
nard enjoyed  his  breakfast.  So,  apparently,  did  the 
professor,  but  he  did  not  say  much.  He  appeared 
busy  thinking. 

Presently  a  cheery  voice  was  heard  from  the  next 
table :  "  How  are  you,  professor  ?  Good  morning, 
Bernard !  " 

Looking  up,  Bernard  saw  that  the  speaker  was  ISTel- 
son  Sturgis,  the  Boston  buyer. 

"  Good  morning !  "  said  Bernard,  with  real  pleas- 
ure, for  Mr.  Sturgis  had  a  pleasant  nianner,  and  he 
was  glad  to  meet  him. 

"  Morning !  "  muttered  Professor  Puffer  coldly. 

"  Well,  how  do  you  like  Liverpool  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know.  Have  not  had  an  opportunity  tt> 
go  about  yet" 

"  jSTor  I.  Come  around  with  me,  if  you  have  noth- 
ing better  to  do." 

"  I  don't  know  whether  Professor  Puffer  will  re- 
quire my  company  or  not,"  said  Bernard,  in  a  tone 
of  hesitation. 

"  No,"  answered  Professor  Puffer.  "  If  you  wish 
to  take  a  walk  with  Mr.  Sturgis,  I  have  no  objection." 

"  Thank  you,  sir." 


152     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  You  can  rejKDrt  at  half-past  twelve  or  one,  and 
■we  will  dine  then." 

"  All  right,  sir." 

"  How  long  do  you  remain  in  Liverpool,  profes- 
sor ? "  asked  ISTelson  Sturgis. 

"  I  am  not  quite  sure." 

"  You  will  be  here  to-night  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir ;  I  shall  be  here  to-night." 

"  So  shall  I.    I  expect  to  go  to  London  to-morrow." 

After  breakfast  Bernard  put  on  his  hat,  and  started 
out  with  his  new  friend. 

"  'Now,  my  boy,  I  am  going  to  show  you  the  town," 
said  Mr.  Sturgis. 

"  I  shall  be  very  much  obliged  to  you,  sir." 

First  they  visited  the  docks,  which  are  considered 
the  most  noteworthy  feature  of  Liverpool.  They  ex- 
tend for  five  miles  along  the  margin  of  the  river,  and 
are  built  in  the  most  solid  and  enduring  manner. 

"  I  am  a  patriotic  American,"  observed  Mr.  Stur- 
gis, "  but  I  am  obliged  to  confess  that  no  American 
city  can  boast  of  docks  that  are  equal  to  these." 

"  How  many  are  there  ?  "  asked  Bernard. 

"  Over  fifty,  I  believe.  They  have  been  built  at 
immense  expense.  I  hope  to  see  the  time  when  "Rew 
York  will  have  docks  like  them." 

They  visited  some  of  the  large  squares,  walked  past 


THE  EVENTS  OF  A  NIGHT.  .         153 

St.  George's  hall,  the  custom  house,  the  free  library 
and  museum,  and  all  these  interested  Bernard. 

"  We  can't  see  everything,"  said  Mr.  Sturgis,  "  but 
you  now  have  some  idea  of  Liverpool.  Do  you  know 
how  long  we  have  been  walking  about  ?  " 

"  ifo,  sir." 

"  Three  hours.  I  begin  to  feel  tired.  Suppose  we 
go  back  to  the  hotel." 

"  All  right,  sir.  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you, 
Mr.  Sturgis,  for  showing  me  so  much." 

"  I  have  enjoyed  the  walk  myself.  By  the  way, 
Bernard,  at  the  risk  of  hurting  your  feelings,  I  will 
venture  to  say  that  I  don't  much  admire  your  travel- 
ing companion." 

"  Nor  I,  sir." 

"  I  have  wondered  more  than  once  what  brought 
you  together." 

"  My  guardian.  I  never  saw  Professor  Puffer  till 
we  went  on  board  the  Vesta." 

"  Do  you  expect  to  make  a  long  tour  with  him  ? " 

"  I  don't  know,  sir." 

"  Hasn't  he  disclosed  his  plans  to  you  ?  " 

"  ISTo,  sir.  I  believe  he  is  engaged  on  some  literary 
work,  and  I  am  engaged  to  help  him." 

"  Then,  I  suppose,  you  will  settle  down  some- 
where ?  " 

"  I  suppose  so." 


354     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Mr.  Sturgis/'  said  Bernard,  after  a  short  pause, 
'^  I  find  myself  in  a  difficult,  not  to  saj  dangerous, 
position,  and  I  would  like  to  ask  your  advice." 

Nelson  Sturgis  looked  a  little  surprised,  but  he 
answered  cordially:  "  Speak  freely,  Bernard.  I  will 
give  you  the  best  advice  I  can." 

"  First,  I  must  tell  you  how  I  am  situated." 

Then  Bernard  gave  an  account  of  Professor  Puf- 
fer's attempt  to  throw  him  over  the  rail  during  the 
voyage. 

Mr,  Sturgis  listened  in  amazement. 

"  I  can  hardly  believe  1:1118,"  he  said.  "  Do  you 
think  the  professor  knew  what  he  was  talking 
about  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  fully  believe  it." 

"  What  excuse  did  he  make  ?  " 

"  He  said  that  he  was  walking  in  his  sleep." 

"  But  what  motive  could  he  possibly  have  ?  It 
looks  unaccountable." 

"  I  can't  understand  it  myself,  but  I  think  he  was 
acting  under  instructions  from  my  guardian." 

"  Wliat  reason  have  you  for  thinking  so  ?  " 

In  reply  Bernard  produced  the  fragment  of  a  letter 
which  he  had  picked  up  in  the  stateroom. 

"  This  certainly  does  look  suspicious.  Have  you 
any  idea  why  it  is  that  your  guardian  wishes  to  get 
rid  of  YOU  ?  " 


THE  EVENTS  OF  A  NIGHT.  155 

"  Yes,  sir.  I  met  a  gentleman  before  I  left  New 
York  who  knew  my  father.  He  tells  me  that  he  is 
certain  that  my  father  left  property,  and  he  thinks 
that  Mr.  McCracken  has  it  in  his  possession,  and  is 
resolved  to  keep  it." 

"  It  is  not  unlikely.  Does  your  guardian  know  thajt 
you  have  any  suspicion  of  this  ?  " 

"  He  knows  that  I  met  an  old  friend  of  my  father's, 
and  he  may  suspect  that  Mr,  Franklin  has  told  me 
this." 

"  You  certainly  are  in  a  diiHcult  position,"  said 
Xelson  Sturgis  thoughtfully.  "  Has  anything  hap- 
pened since  you  arrived  in  Liverpool  ?  " 

In  reply  Bernard  told  the  incident  of  the  night  be- 
fore. 

"  I  can't  understand  why  he  washed  to  enter  my 
room,"  he  concluded.  "  He  would  not  dare  attempt 
my  life.     Do  you  think  so  ?  " 

"  It  is  hard  to  tell  what  to  think.  If  you  have  any 
fear  as  to  sleeping  in  your  o^vn  room  to-night,  you 
will  be  welcome  to  share  mine.    I  occupy  Ko.  15." 

"  I  will  remember  it,  sir." 

When,  at  ten  o'clock  Bernard  went  up  to  bed,  he 
was  struck  as  he  entered  the  chamber  by  one  signifi- 
cant circumstance.     The  bureau  had  disappeared! 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

PEOFESSOR  PUFFEE's  DISCOMFITUEB. 

Wheist  Bernard  noticed  the  disappearance  of  the 
bureau  he  understood  at  once  the  alarming  signifi- 
cance of  the  step  Avhich  Professor  Puffer  had  taken, 
for  he  felt  sure  that  it  was  at  his  instigation  that  this 
article  of  furniture  had  been  removed.  It  might  have 
been  carried  into  the  professor's  own  chamber  through 
the  connecting  door,  but  this  was  of  minor  impor- 
tance. Enough  that  he,  Bernard,  no  longer  had  any- 
thing to  serve  as  a  barrier  and  prevent  the  unautho!'- 
ized  intrusion  of  his  traveling  companion  into  his 
room. 

Bernard  sat  down  on  the  bed  and  began  to  consider 
thoughtfully  what  he  should  do.  Did  the  professor 
mean  to  do  him  harm  ?  This  was  what  he  asked  him- 
self. Evidently  he  intended  to  come  into  the  room. 
Bernard  did  not  care  to  run  the  risk  of  his  presence. 
He  decided  to  sleep  elsewhere. 

Pie  opened  the  door  into  the  hall  noiselessly,  and 
proceeding  to  the  room  of  the  Boston  drummer,  he 
knocked. 

166 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DISCOMFITURE.        157 

The  door  was  opened  by  Mr.  Sturgis  in  person. 

"  Well  ?  "  he  said  inquiringly. 

Bernard  told  him  of  the  discovery  he  had  made. 

"  I  don't  dare  to  sleep  in  the  room  to-night,"  he 
concluded,  "  for  I  am  sure  the  prefessor  would  make 
me  a  visit." 

"  You  are  no  doubt  right.  The  case  seems  very 
mysterious.  I  don't  see  on  what  pretext  he  could 
have  induced  the  landlord  to  remove  the  bureau, 
English  people  (and  landlords  are  no  exception)  are 
very  averse  to  changes,  even  of  trifling  character." 

"  At  any  rate  the  change  has  been  made,"  said  Ber- 
nard. "  Perhaps  he  has  not  consulted  the  landlord 
at  all,  but  simply  removed  the  bureau  into  his  own 
chamber." 

"  Perhaps  so,  but  we  must  take  things  as  they  are. 
It  is  clear  that  it  won't  do  to  sleep  in  the  room.  I 
am  glad  to  be  able  to  offer  you  a  bed.  There  are  two 
in  this  room,  as  you  see." 

"  Thank  you,  Mr.  Sturgis.  I  will  accept  your  kind 
offer." 

"  Then,  as  it  is  late,  we  had  better  go  to  bed  at 
once,  so  as  to  get  a  good  night's  rest.  I  should  like  to 
see  the  face  of  the  professor  when  he  opens  the  door 
and  finds  that  the  bird  has  flown." 

Bernard  laughed. 

"  I  should  like  to  see  it  myself,"  he  said. 


158  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

We  will  now  go  back  to  Mr.  Puffer. 

He  retired  rather  earlier  than  Bernard,  and  as  he 
lay  down  he  said  to  himself,  with  a  peculiar  smile, 
"  The  boy  won't  be  able  to  keep  me  out  to-night.  He 
may  think  himself  smart,  but  he  is  not  smart  enough 
to  baffle  the  plans  of  Ezra  Puffer." 

Professor  Puffer  had  the  faculty  of  sleeping  for  as 
short  or  long  a  time  as  he  chose.  He  set  himself  for 
a  two  hours'  nap,  and  in  five  minutes  he  was  sound 
asleep. 

About  twelve  o'clock  he  awoke. 

He  was  at  first  bewildered,  but  quickly  recalled  to 
mind  what  he  had  arranged  to  do. 

He  rose  and  lit  the  candle  which  stood  upon  a 
small  table  in  the  center  of  the  room.  Then,  in  hia 
stocking  feet,  he  noiselessly  approached  the  door. 

He  turned  the  key  in  the  lock  and  opened  the  door 
leading  into  Bernard's  room,  Raising  the  candle  he 
drew  near  the  bed  and  looked  to  see  the  recumbent 
figure  of  his  young  traveling  companion.  To  his  in- 
tense surprise  the  bed  was  unoccupied. 

"  What  does  it  mean  ?  "  he  asked  himself  in  be- 
wilderment.    "  ^Vliere  can  be  the  boy  be  ?  " 

His  expression  of  perplexity  was  fast  succeeded 
by  one  of  rage  as  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  Ber- 
nard, on  discovering  the  absence  of  the  bureau,  had 
deliberately  resolved  to  abandon  the  room. 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DISCOMFITURE.        159 

"  He  is  the  most  impudent  and  audacious  boy  I 
ever  met,"  reflected  the  professor.  "  I  don't  wonder 
Mr.  McCracken  calls  him  '  a  bad  lot.'  " 

Of  course  there  was  nothing  to  do  but  return  to 
his  own  chamber.  But  his  exit  was  not  to  be  a  peace- 
ful one.  He  had  scarcely  started  for  the  door  when 
there  was  a  rushing  sound,  and  a  huge  dog  sprang  for- 
ward and  fastened  his  teeth  in  the  professor's  leg. 
Such  an  attack  under  the  circumstances  would  have 
startled  even  a  brave  man,  and  Professor  Puffer  was 
not  a  brave  man. 

In  the  indistinct  light  he  could  not  at  once  distin- 
guish the  figure  of  his  assailant  and  what  it  was  that 
had  attacked  him.  He  had  a  suspicion  that  it  was 
some  contrivance  of  Bernard. 

!iet  go,  or  I  will  kill  you !  "  he  yelled. 

But  his  threat  produced  no  effect  upon  the  huge, 
shaggy  dog  who  had  been  lying  under  the  bed,  and 
had  been  aroused  by  the  entrance  of  Professor  Puffer, 
whom  he  evidently  felt  to  be  an  unauthorized  in- 
truder and  a  suspicious  character. 

As  the  reader  may  be  as  much  puzzled  as  was  the 
professor  himself,  I  will  explain  that  when  Bernard 
opened  the  door  to  leave  his  chamber,  the  dog,  who 
had  been  walking  through  the  entry,  made  his  way 
into  it  without  the  notice  of  the  boy.  He  had  stretched 
himself  out  under  the  four  poster,  and  was  sleeping 


160  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

the  sleep  of  a  thoroughlj  tired  dog  when  he  was 
aroused  by  the  stealthy  entrance  of  the  professor. 

With  a  dog's  instinct  he  fastened  his  teeth  in  the 
unprotected  calf  of  the  intruder,  and  inflicted  a 
wound  decidedly  painful. 

When  Professor  Puffer,  lowering  the  candle,  saw 
his  foe,  he  was  frightened  more  than  ever. 

"  This  is  a  trick  of  that  rascally  boy !  "  he  con- 
cluded.   "  Get  out,  you  brute !  " 

With  this  exclamation  he  drew  his  leg  away  from 
the  dog's  grip,  and  gave  him  a  vicious  kick. 

But  the  dog's  fighting  spirit  was  aroused.  He  took 
a  new  hold,  and  growled  in  a  manner  that  sent  ter- 
ror to  the  heart  of  the  unhappy  professor.  Drops  of 
perspiration  came  out  upon  his  foreheadj  and  his 
heart  was  sick  with  fear.  He  felt  helpless  in  the 
powerful  jaws  of  the  dog. 

"  What  shall  I  do  ?  What  can  I  do  ?  "  he  moaned. 
'*  If  I  only  had  a  revolver." 

The  more  he  struggled,  the  more  the  dog  felt  that 
he  had  done  right  in  attacking  him. 

The  professor  could  stand  it  no  longer.  He  gave 
utterance  to  a  succession  of  piercing  shrieks,  which 
aroused  the  house.  He  did  not  succeed  in  terrifying 
the  dog,  however,  who  hung  on  with  remorseless 
tenacity. 

The  cries  of  the  professor  roused  the  house.     The 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DISCOMFITURE.        161 

guests  poured  out  of  their  rooms,  among  them  Nel- 
son Sturgis  and  Bernard.  Last,  but  not  least,  the 
stout,  rubicund  landlord,  a  typical  Englishman,  made 
his  appearance. 

As  all  were  attired  in  their  night  clothes,  the  ef- 
fect was  picturesque,  to  say  the  least. 

"  What  is  the  matter  ?  "  asked  the  landlord. 

"  Call  off  the  dog !  Don't  you  see  he  is  tearing 
me  to  pieces  ?  "  roared  Puffer. 

"  Bless  my  soul !  "  ejaculated  the  landlord,  in  be- 
wilderment.   "  Where  did  he  come  from  ?  " 

"  Take  off  the  dog !  "  roared  the  professor  again. 

Nelson  Sturgis  was  the  only  one  present  who  ap- 
peared to  have  his  wits  about  him. 

He  approached,  and  seizing  the  animal  by  his 
collar,  he  forcibly  pulled  him  away  from  his  victim. 
The  professor,  whose  leg  had  been  badly  torn,  bent 
over  and  clasped  his  hands  about  the  wounded  place. 

"  Where  did  the  dog  come  from,  and  how  did  he 
happen  to  attack  you  ?  "  asked  Sturgis. 

"  He  was  lying  is  wait  here,"  said  the  professor, 
"  Won't  somebody  kill  him  ?  " 

"  But  how  did  you  happen  to  be  here  ? "  asked 
Sturgis  pointedly.     "  Is  this  your  room  ?  " 

"  No,  it  is  the  boy's  room." 

"  Then  how  did  you  happen  to  be  here  ?  "  persisted 
Sturgis. 
11 


162     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES, 

"  I  heard  a  noise,"  answered  Puffer  with  some 
hesitation,  "  and  thought  the  boy  might  be  sick.  I 
suppose  it  must  have  been  the  dog." 

Then  he  turned  to  Bernard. 

"  Why  didn't  you  sleep  in  the  room  ? "  he  asked 
severely. 

"  Mr.  Sturgis  asked  me  to  occupy  his  room.  He 
has  two  beds." 

"  Why  didn't  you  mention  the  matter  to  me,  and 
ask  my  permission?  Don't  you  know  that  I  am  your 
guardian  for  the  time  being  ?  " 

"  I  had  my  reasons  for  not  caring  to  sleep  in  this 
room,"  said  Bernard  significantly.  "  Do  you  want 
to  know  what  they  are  ?  " 

"  1^0,"  answered  Puffer,  who  feared  that  those 
reasons  might  compromise  him.  "  Why  did  you 
admit  the  dog  into  the  room  ?  " 

"  I  had  no  idea  he  was  here.  He  must  have  slipped 
into  the  room  when  I  left  it." 

"  That  sounds  very  plausible,"  sneered  Puffer,  "but 
I  believe  you  called  the  dog  into  the  room  purposely." 

"  What  could  have  been  my  object  in  doing  it  ?  " 
asked  Bernard  quietly. 

"  To  make  an  attack  upon  me." 

"  But  how  could  I  know  that  you  intended  to  enter 
the  room  ? " 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DISCOMFITURE.        163 

This  was  a  question  which  Puffer  found  it  diffi- 
cult to  answer. 

The  landlord  had  entered  the  room,  and  for  the 
first  time  noticed  the  disappearance  of  the  bureau. 

"  Young  man,  where  is  the  bureau  ?  "  he  inquired, 
addressing  his  inquiry  to  Bernard. 

"  I  don't  know,  sir." 

"  Do  you  know,  sir  ?  "  asked  Boniface,  turning  to 
Puffer. 

"  I  moved  it  into  my  room,"  answered  the  pro- 
fessor in  some  confusion. 

"  Then,  sir,  you  took  a  great  liberty,"  said  the 
innkeeper  in  an  irate  tone.  "  It  must  be  moved 
back." 

"  I  will  attend  to  it  to-morrow." 

The  company  prepared  to  disperse. 

"  Bernard,"  said  the  professor,  "  I  expect  you  to 
finish  the  night  in  your  own  room." 

"  Excuse  me,  Professor  Puffer,"  replied  Bernard 
firmly,  "  but  I  would  rather  not." 

Professor  Puffer  muttered  something,  but  did  not 
dare  to  press  the  demand. 

And  so  the  night  wore  on,  and  Professor  Puffer 
was  obliged  to  acknowledge  that  his  cunning  strata- 
gem had  failed. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


A  LOST  CLTJE. 


"  What  would  you  advise  me  to  do,  Mr.  Sturgia  ?  " 
asked  Bernard  as  he  was  dressing  the  next  morning. 

"  I  advise  you  to  leave  Professor  Puffer.  He 
seems  to  be  a  thoroughly  bad  man.  You  will  be  in 
danger  as  long  as  you  remain  with  him." 

"  I  will  take  your  advice,  though  this  will  throw 
me  upon  my  own  resources.  I  think  I  can  make  a 
living  in  some  way,  though  I  should  know  better  how 
to  go  about  it  in  America." 

"  How  much  money  have  you  got  ?  " 

"  About  twenty  dollars." 

"  That  won't  last  you  long.  I  must  see  what  I 
can  think  of  for  you.  First  of  all,  you  mustn't  stay 
in  Liverpool.  Professor  Puffer  would  probably  make 
an  effort  to  get  you  into  his  clutches." 

"  Where  would  you  advise  me  to  go  ?  " 

"  To  London.  I  shall  leave  directly  after  break- 
fast and  you  can  go  up  with  me." 

'*  I  shall  be  glad  to  go  with  one  who  has  been  there 
164 


A  LOST  CLUE.  165 

before.  But  I  must  keep  out  of  the  -way  of  the  pro- 
fessor." 

"  I  will  arrange  matters  for  you.  "When  you  are 
dressed,  go  at  once  to  the  station  of  the  London  and 
Northwestern  Railway.  You  will  find  a  restaurant 
close  by  where  you  can  get  breakfast.  Then  go  to  the 
waiting  room,  where  I  will  join  you  before  the  next 
train  starts." 

Bernard  followed  the  directions  of  his  friend,  and 
Mr.  Sturgis  went  down  to  breakfast.  Professor  Puf- 
fer was  already  in  the  coffee  room. 

"  Where  is  my  ward  ?  "  he  asked  abruptly. 

"  I  can't  tell  you,  sir,"  returned  Nelson  Sturgis 
coolly. 

"  Didn't  he  pass  the  night  with  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Then  you  should  know  where  he  is." 

"  I  have  already  told  you  that  I  don't  know." 

"  Do  you  think  he  has  left  the  hotel  ?  " 

"  I  think  it  quite  probable." 

"  Did  he  tell  you  where  he  was  going  ?  " 

"  No." 

"  I  believe  you  are  deceiving  me,"  said  Professor 
Puffer  angrily. 

"  And  I  am  sure  that  you  are  impertinent.  I  may 
feel  inclined  to  pull  your  nose," 

Nelson  Sturgis  was  a  tall,  athletic  man,  and  Pro- 


166  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

fessor  Puffer  was  persuaded  that  he  could  carry  out 
Lis  threat  if  he  was  so  minded.  Accordingly  he 
thought  it  best  to  desist. 

After  breakfast  Mr.  Sturgis  summoned  a  hotel  at- 
tendant. 

"  Here  is  half  a  crown/'  he  said.  "  Go  to  the 
chamber  of  my  young  friend,  Bernard  Brooks,  and 
bring  his  satchel  to  my  room." 

"  All  right,  sir." 

This  was  done  without  the  observation  of  Puffer, 
or  he  would  have  prevented  the  removal  of  Bernard's 
luggage. 

Mr.  Sturgis  called  a  hackney  coach,  had  his  lug- 
gage put  on,  including  Bernard's  satchel,  and  drove 
to  the  railway  station. 

"  Well,  Bernard,  I  have  brought  your  satchel,"  he 
said. 

"  Thank  you,  sir.  I  was  wondering  what  I  should 
do  without  it." 

"  I  had  no  idea  of  leaving  it  with  the  professor. 
"Now  I  will  secure  tickets  to  London." 

"  What  will  be  the  price  ?  " 

"  N'ever  mind.  I  will  undertake  to  get  you  to 
London  free  of  expense  to  yourself.  Afterwards  we 
will  consult  about  your  plans." 

Just  as  the  train  was  starting.  Professor  Puffer 


A  LOST  CLUE.  167 

reached  the  station,  and  from  the  platform  espied 
his  ward  in  the  act  of  leaving  him. 

"  Stop !  "  he  called  out,  shaking  his  fist  at  the  re- 
ceding train. 

"  Good-bj,  Professor  Puffer !  "  said  Bernard  with 
a  smile  and  a  wave  of  the  hand. 

Puffer  in  his  anger,  ran  a  few  steps,  talking  vio- 
lently. 

"  My  ward  is  running  away,"  he  said  to  a  police- 
man.    "  Can't  you  stop  the  train  ?  " 

"m;  I  can't." 

"  But  I  want  to  get  him  back." 

"  Then  you'll  have  to  go  before  a  magistrate." 

"  Where  is  that  train  going  ?  " 

"  To  London." 

"  Then  I'll  go,  too.    When  is  the  next  train  ?  " 

"  At  twelve  o'clock,  sir." 

Professor  Puffer  returned  to  the  hotel  at  once, 
packed  his  trunk,  and  enrolled  himself  as  a  passenger 
on  the  noon  train. 

"  If  that  fellow  escapes  me,"  he  said  with  an  ugly 
look,  "  he'll  have  to  be  pretty  smart.  I  won't  have 
it  said  that  a  boy  of  his  age  has  got  the  better  of  me." 

Mr.  Sturgis  bought  first  class  tickets,  and  Bernard 
found  himself  in  a  handsomely  upholstered  compartr 
ment  only  large  enough  to  hold  eight  passengers. 


168  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

The  doors  were  locked  after  they  started,  which 
struck  Bernard  as  peculiar. 

"  I  like  our  American  ears  better,"  he  said. 

"  So  do  I,  but  they  are  not  so  exclusive.  The  Eng- 
lish like  to  be  exclusive." 

It  was  an  express  train,  and  deposited  them  in 
London  in  a  few  hours. 

"  E'ow,  Bernard,"  said  Mr.  Sturgis,  "  I  think  it 
will  be  well  for  us  to  go  to  different  hotels.  I  shall 
go  to  the  Charing  Cross,  but  this  is  a  prominent 
hotel,  and  should  you  go  there  you  could  easily  be 
traced." 

"Where  shall  I  go?" 

"  There  is  a  comfortable  family  hotel  in  Arundet 
Street,  Strand.  The  charges,  including  room  and 
board,  are  only  about  six  shillings  per  day,  or  a  dol- 
lar and  a  half  in  American  money.  At  the  Charing 
Cross  they  are  higher." 

"  Then  I  will  go  to  Arundel  Street." 

"  Very  well.  When  you  reach  London  I  will  see 
you  started  for  your  hotel." 

"  Shan't  I  see  you  again,  sir  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  will  call  around  in  the  evening.  By  the 
way,  I  have  thought  of  a  way  to  put  Professor  Puf- 
fer off  the  track." 

"  How  is  that,  sir  ?  " 

"  He  will  very  likely  question  some  of  the  hack- 


A  LOST  CLUE.  169 

men.  I  will  therefore  take  you  with  me  to  the  Char- 
ing Cross.  Then  we  will  dismiss  the  haekman,  and 
you  can  take  a  cab  from  there  to  Arundel  Street." 

This  precaution  was  well  taken.  When  Professor 
Puffer  reached  London  he  began  to  interview  the 
hackmen. 

"  I  had  two  friends  arrive  by  the  nine  o'clock 
train,"  he  said,  "  a  gentleman  and  a  boy  of  sixteen." 

Then  he  described  them. 

"  They  neglected  to  tell  me  at  what  hotel  they  in- 
tended to  stop.  Do  any  of  you  remember  seeing 
them  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  one  cabby.  "  I  took  them  to 
the  Charing  Cross." 

"  Thank  you,"  said  Puffer,  in  a  tone  of  satisfac- 
tion. "  That  is  just  what  I  wanted  to  find  out. 
Here's  a  shilling." 

"  Thank  you,  sir.     You  are  a  gentleman." 

"  And  you  may  take  me  to  the  Charing  Cross.  I 
shall  probably  find  them  there." 

"  I  should  make  a  good  detective,"  thought  the 
professor  complacently,  as  he  rolled  through  the 
streets.  "  Master  Bernard  Brooks  will  find  that  he 
hasn't  made  much  in  his  attempt  to  outwit  me.  In- 
deed I  am  better  off  for  it,  as  he  has  been  obliged  to 
pay  his  own  fare  to  London." 

When  he  reached  the  hotel,  he  inquired  at  the  of- 


170     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

fice :  "  Is  there  an  American  gentleman  named  Stur- 
gis  here  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Where  is  he  now  ?  " 

"  In  the  dining-room,  taking  dinner." 

Professor  Puffer  smiled  maliciously. 

"  Doubtless  Bernard  will  be  with  him,"  he  re- 
flected. "  They  will  be  rather  surprised  to  see 
me." 

He  w^alked  into  the  dining-room  and  looked 
around. 

His  search  was  partially  rewarded. 

At  a  table  near  the  window  sat  Nelson  Sturgis 
with  a  substantial  dinner  before  him,  but  Bernard 
was  not  with  him. 

"  He  is  somewhere  in  the  hotel,"  thought  the  pro- 
fessor. "  Meanwhile  I  will  pay  my  respects  to  Mr. 
Sturgis." 

"  I  hope  I  see  you  well,  Mr.  Sturgis,"  said  the 
professor,  with  an  ironical  smile. 

"  Thank  you,  I  am  quite  well,"  answered  Sturgis 
composedly. 

"  You  see  I  have  reached  London  not  far  behind 
you." 

"  So  I  see." 

"  Did  you  and  my  ward  have  a  pleasant  journey  ?  " 

"  Very  pleasant." 


A  LOST  CLUE.  171 

"  I  am  indebted  to  you  for  paying  his  traveling  ex- 
penses." 

"  You  can  reimburse  me  if  you  like." 

"  You  must  excuse  me.  I  only  pay  tbe  boy's  bills 
"when  he  is  traveling  with  me." 

"  Just  as  you  like." 

"  I  will  now  relieve  you  of  the  charge  which,  with- 
out my  permission,  you  have  undertaken.  Will  you 
be  kind  enough  to  notify  Bernard  that  I  have  come 
for  him  ? " 

"  Why  do  you  give  me  that  commission  ? "  asked 
Sturgis,  arching  his  brows.  "  Are  you  under  the  im- 
pression that  Bernard  is  with  me  ?  " 

"Certainly.    Isn't  he?" 

"  m." 

"  Isn't  he  stopping  at  this  hotel  ?  " 

"  He  is  not." 

"  Where,  then,  is  he  ?  I  have  positive  information 
that  he  came  here  with  you." 

"  From  whom  did  you  obtain  the  information  ?  " 

"  Trom  the  hackman  who  drove  you  here,"  an- 
swered Professor  Puffer  triumphantly. 

"  Then  I  can't  deny  it,"  said  Sturgis,  with  af- 
fected chagrin. 

"  Of  course  you  can't.  It  wasn't  much  trouble  to 
get  on  your  track.  I  am  sharper  than  you  probably 
anticipated." 


172  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Very  true,  Professor  Puffer." 

"  Now  I  will  thank  you  to  tell  me  where  Bernard 
13.    Of  course  you  know  ?  " 

"  I  can  guess." 

"  So  I  supposed." 

"  But  I  don't  propose  to  tell." 

"  That  is  of  very  little  importance.  He  is  in  this 
hotel.    I  have  traced  him  here." 

"  He  is  not  here  now,  however.  He  is  in  a  differ- 
ent part  of  London." 

"Is  this  true?"  asked  Professor  Puffer,  his  jaw 
dropping. 

"  Quite  true,  I  assure  you.  By  the  way,  Professor 
Puffer,  you  may  be  sharp,  but  I  think  I  am  a  match 
for  you.  And  now,  if  you  kindly  leave  me,  I  will 
resume  my  dinner." 


CHAPTEK  XXI. 

A  DAY  IN  LONDOlSr. 

Beekard  found  the  Arundel  Hotel,  to  which  he 
had  been  directed,  neat  and  quiet.  It  was  more  like 
a  large  boarding-house  than  a  hotel.  The  terms  were 
very  reasonable,  and  that  with  him  was  an  impor- 
tant consideration. 

There  were  several  Americans  among  the  guests, 
including  two  ministers  and  a  schoolma'am  of  uncer- 
tain age,  who  was  taking  a  well-earned  rest  after  fif- 
teen years  of  service  in  the  public  schools  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

It  was  next  to  her  that  Bernard  had  a  seat  at  the 
table.  Being,  from  her  profession,  attracted  bj 
young  people,  she  was  led  to  feel  an  interest  in  the 
bright  and  attractive  boy  with  whom  the  exigencies 
of  hotel  life  had  brought  her  in  contact. 

"  You  are  an  American  boy,  I  take  it  ?  "  she  said. 

"  Yes,  miss." 

"  Miss  Smith,"  she  suggested,  smiling.  "  It  is  a 
little  more  convenient  to  know  the  name  of  the  per- 
son to  whom  you  are  speaking." 

"  Miss  Smith,  then.  My  name  is  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  Ah,  indeed !  I  think  there  is  a  Brooks  family  in 
173 


174  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Somerville,    Massachusetts,    where    I    am   teaching. 
Are  they  related  to  you  ?  " 

"  I  don't  think  so.    I  come  from  !N'ew  York  State." 

"  Here  we  are  all  Americans.  Have  you  arrived 
lately?" 

"  Only  two  days  since." 

"  And  it  is  your  first  visit  to  England  ? " 

"  Yes." 

"  Do  you  intend  to  visit  the  continent  ?  " 

"  I  should  like  to." 

"  But  that  probably  depends  upon  your  traveling 
companions." 

"  I  have  no  traveling  companions." 

"  Did  you  come  to  England  alone  ? "  asked  Miss 
Smith,  in  some  surprise. 

"  No.    I  was  in  the  company  of  Professor  Puffer." 

"  Indeed !  I  never  heard  of  the  gentleman.  Is 
he  a  professor  of  Harvard  ?  " 

"  I  don't  think  he  is  connected  with  any  college. 
I  am  told  that  he  is  interested  in  antiquities,  and  has 
written  upon  the  subject." 

"  I  should  like  to  meet  him,"  said  the  schoolmis 
tress.    "  Perhaps  you  will  introduce  me." 

"  I  am  afraid  I  cannot.  The  professor  and  I  have 
parted." 

'  "  Why,  if  it  isn't  taking  too  great  a  liberty  to 
ask?" 


A  DAY  IN  LONDON.  175 

"  I  didn't  like  him.  He  didn't  treat  me  well. 
Once,  in  a  fit  of  sleep-walking,  he  tried  to  throw  me 
into  the  sea." 

"  That  seems  strange.  Certainly  you  were  jus- 
tified in  leaving  him.     Where  is  he  now  ?  " 

"  I  left  him  in  Liverpool." 

"  But  didn't  he  have  charge  of  you  ? " 

"  Yes ;  but  I  think  I  can  take  better  care  of  my- 
self." 

"  You  may  think  me  intrusive,  but  I  am  old 
enough  to  be  your  mother ;  that  is,  almost,"  she  added 
cautiously.  "  Didn't  he  have  charge  of  money  for 
your  expenses  ? " 

"  I  was  engaged  to  assist  him  as  his  private  secre- 
tary. I  was  to  have  twenty-five  dollars  a  month  and 
my  expenses  paid." 

"  That  was  very  good  pay.  I  see  that  you  are  in  a 
difficult  position.  Do  you  really  think  it  would  be 
unsafe  for  you  to  stay  with  him  ?  " 

"  I  am  sure  of  it." 

"  Then,  of  course,  that  settles  it.  Have  you  taken 
the  advice  of  any  older  person  ?  " 

"  I  took  the  advice  of  Mr.  !N^elson  Sturgis,  from 
Boston." 

"  That  is  a  very  good  Boston  name.  Is  Mr.  Stur- 
gis in  this  hotel  ?  " 

"  No ;  he  went  to  the  Charing  Cross." 


176     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  If  you  don't  think  me  impertinent,  how  do  you 
expect  to  defray  your  expenses  ?  Is  there  any  one 
in  America  who  will  provide  you  with  the  necessary 
fund?" 

"  'No.  There  is  a  man  in  New  York  who  calls 
himself  my  guardian,  but  he  certainly  is  not  my 
friend.  He  put  me  in  charge  of  this  Professor  Puf- 
fer, and  from  a  letter  I  picked  up  I  find  he  wants  to 
get  rid  of  me." 

'•  But  how  will  you  live  ?  " 

"  I  shall  try  to  get  something  to  do,  Miss  Smith." 

"  That  will  be  hard  in  a  city  like  London,  where 
you  are  a  stranger." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  that,  but  there  is  no  other 
course  open  to  me." 

"  If  you  were  in  America  you  would  stand  a  better 
chance.  I  wish  I  could  think  of  any  way  of  help- 
ing you.  I  have  a  nephew  about  your  age,  and  I 
can't  help  thinking  what  if  he  were  in  your  position. 
Shall  you  stay  long  at  this  hotel  ?  " 

"  I  shall  have  money  enough  to  stay  a  week  or 
two." 

"  And  I  shall  be  here  about  a  week.  I  must  think 
for  you." 

"  I  wish  you  would,"  said  Bernard  gratefully. 
"  It  seems  pleasant  to  have  some  one  interested  in 
you." 


A  DAY  IN  LONDON.  177 

"  Won't  this  Mr.  Sturgis  do  something  for  you  ?  " 

"  He  has  already.  It  is  he  who  paid  my  expenses 
from  Liverpool.  He  seems  a  very  nice  gentleman, 
and  I  am  sure  he  is  friendly  to  me." 

"  You  had  better  look  over  the  daily  papers,  and 
if  you  see  any  place  advertised  which  you  think  you 
can  fill,  apply  for  it." 

"  Thank  you.     I  will  take  your  advice." 

During  the  afternoon  Bernard  walked  through  the 
Strand  and  Fleet  Street.  He  found  plenty  to  at- 
tract his  attention.  Though  the  signs  were  English 
he  found  a  great  difference  between  English  and 
American  shops.  N^ear  the  Bank  of  England  he  met 
Nelson  Sturgis. 

"  Glad  to  meet  you,  Bernard,"  said  the  Boston 
drummer.     "  I  have  some  news  for  you." 

"What  is  it,  Mr.  Sturgis?" 

"  Your  friend,  the  professor,  has  called  upon  me 
at  the  Charing  Cross." 

Bernard  was  startled. 

"  How  do  you  think  he  guessed  we  were  there  ?  " 

"  In  the  easiest  way  in  the  world.  He  found  the 
cabby  who  had  driven  us  to  the  hotel." 

"  Was  he  looking  for  me  ?  " 

"  Yes.    When  he  saw  me  his  face  brightened.    He 
demanded  you,  thinking  that  you  were  somewhere  in 
the  hotel." 
12 


178  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  It  is  lucky  I  didn't  stay  there.  Is  he  there 
now  ? " 

"  No ;  finding  that  he  was  mistaken,  he  went  away 
disappointed." 

"  Suppose  we  meet  him  in  the  street  ?  " 

"  Bluff  him.  Refuse  to  go  with  him.  He  would 
have  to  prove  a  right  to  control  you,  and  that  would 
be  difficult.    How  do  you  like  your  hotel  ?  " 

"  Very  much.     It  is  comfortable  and  cheap." 

"  Have  you  made  any  acquaintances  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  a  schoolma'am  from  Massachusetts." 

"  Is  she  young  and  pretty  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Sturgis 
with  a  smile. 

"  IN'o ;  she  is  plain,  and,  as  to  age,  I  think  she  must 
be  near  forty.  She  might  do  for  you,"  suggested 
Bernard  with  a  roguish  look. 

"  Thank  you.  Your  description  doesn't  seem  at- 
tractive." 

"  She  is  a  very  nice  lady,  however,  and  has  given 
me  some  good  advice  about  getting  a  position." 

"  I  am  glad  of  that.  I  wish  I  could  do  something 
for  you,  but  my  stay  in  London  is  very  limited." 

"  I  am  sorry  for  that.  I  shall  feel  very  lonely 
when  you  are  gone." 

"  And  unfortunately  I  go  to-morrow." 

"Where?" 

"  To  some  of  the  manufacturing  districts.     Tou 


A  DAY  IN  LONDON.  179 

know  my  trip  is  a  business  one.  How  are  you  off  for 
money  ?  " 

"  I  can  get  along  for  the  present,  and  I  hope  be- 
fore long  to  get  a  place." 

"  I  hope  so,  but  I  fear  your  being  an  American  will 
interfere  with  you.  The  English  have  an  idea  that 
American  boys  have  too  much  license,  and  they  would 
hesitate  to  take  one  into  their  employment." 

"  It  seems  queer  to  see  boys  even  younger  than 
I  am  with  silk  hats  on." 

"  Yes ;  but  it  is  the  English  style.  You  can't  pass 
for  an  English  boy — of  the  better  class — without  fol- 
lowing their  example." 

"  I  wouldn't  do  that.  They  look  like  guys.  Just 
let  one  of  them  appear  in  ISTew  York  rigged  out  in 
that  way.     Why,  the  other  boys  would  mob  him." 

"  That  is  true.  Still  I  don't  know,  but  it  is  well 
when  you  are  in  Rome  to  do  as  the  Romans  do." 

^'  Does  that  mean  that  you  recommend  me  to  put 
on  one  of  those  tiles  ?  " 

"Well,  not  at  present,"  said  Mr.  Sturgis.  "If 
it  would  procure  you  a  position  I  should  advise  you 
to  do  so." 

Presently  the  two  separated,  and  Bernard  strolled 
on  alone,  his  companion  having  a  business  call  to 
make  near  the  bank. 

"  Have  a  shine  ?  " 


180  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

The  boy  who  asked  the  question  was  a  typical  Lon- 
don street  urchin,  with  ragged  clothes,  and  face  and 
hands  bearing  evidence  of  his  occupation. 

Bernard  looked  at  his  shoes.  They  certainly  stood 
in  need  of  polishing,  but  he  knew  that  his  means  were 
small  and  daily  diminishing,  and  was  cautious  enough 
to  ask  the  price. 

"  A  penny,"  answered  the  street  boy. 

Bernard  signed  to  the  boy  to  begin. 

The  boy  understood  his  business,  and  went  to  work 
like  an  expert. 

"  Do  you  earn  much  ?  "  asked  Bernard. 

"  That's  as  it  happens.  When  I'm  lucky  I  make 
one  and  eight  pence  or  two  shillin's.  Yesterday  a 
gent — he  was  an  American — give  me  sixpence  for  a 
shine.    Americans  are  rich." 

"  Not  all  of  them.    I  am  an  American." 

"  Have  you  got  a  bowie  knife  ?  " 

"  No,"  answered  Bernard,  with  a  laugh.  "  What 
makes  you  ask  ?  " 

"  I  was  readin'  a  story  in  a  paper  that  said  all  the 
American  boys  carried  bowie  knives." 

"  That's  a  mistake." 

Bernard  was  feeling  for  a  penny  to  pay  the  young 
bootblack  when  he  heard  a  snort  of  triumph,  and 
looking  up,  he  saw  Professor  Puffer  bearing  down 
upon  him. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


DICK  THE  BOOTBLACB:. 


"  What's  the  matter  ?  "  asked  the  bootblack,  not- 
ing the  swift  change  in  Bernard's  face. 

"  That  man — he  is  after  me !  "  ejaculated  Bernard, 
preparing  to  move  on. 

He  knew  that  it  would  be  disagreeable  to  have  an 
encounter  with  Professor  Puffer  and  he  thought  it 
better  to  get  out  of  his  way. 

Whether  he  could  do  so  was  doubtful,  as  the  pro- 
fessor was  close  at  hand. 

"I'll  help  you,"  said  the  bootblack,  "if  you'll 
give  me  a  shilling.    You  be  here  in  an  hour." 

"  All  right,"  said  Bernard,  and  he  started  to  run. 

But  by  this  time  Professor  Puffer  was  only  tea 
feet  away.  He  felt  that  Bernard  was  within  his 
grasp. 

But  he  did  not  reckon  for  the  bootblack.  The  lat- 
ter advanced  to  meet  the  professor,  and  managed  to 
stumble  in  front  of  him  so  that  Puffer,  whose  legs 
were  short,  fell  over  him,  striking  forcibly  on  his 
face.     Meanwhile  Bernard  was  hurrying  away. 

Professor  Puffer  got  up  in  a  furious  rage. 
181 


182     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  are  you  running  over  me  for  ?  "  he  de- 
manded, shaking  his  fist  at  the  bootblack. 

The  latter  began  to  rub  his  knees  vigorously. 

"  What  are  you  runnin'  over  me  for  ? "  he  de- 
manded in  an  injured  tone. 

Professor  Puffer  eyed  him  suspiciously.  He 
hardly  knew  whether  the  encounter  was  premeditated 
or  not. 

"  Did  you  see  a  boy  rather  taller  than  you  dressed 
in  a  dark  suit  ?  I  think  you  have  been  blacking  his 
shoes." 

"  Yes,  I  did,  and  he  run  away  without  payin'  me. 
Is  he  your  boy  ?  " 

"Yes.    Where  did  he  go  ?  " 

"  I  dunno.  You  ran  over  me  so  that  I  couldn't 
see.     Will  you  pay  for  the  shine  ?  " 

"  No ;  he  must  pay  for  it  himself.  But  Pll  give 
you  a  sixpence  if  you'll  find  him  for  me." 

"  All  right !     Give  me  the  money." 

"  Not  now.    I'll  wait  till  you  find  him  for  me." 

"  I  don't  do  business  in  that  way,  mister." 

"  I  believe  you're  in  league  with  him,"  said  the 
professor  suspiciously. 

"  I  dunno  what  that  means,"  returned  the  boy  inno- 
cently. "  Don't  you  try  your  long  words  on  me.  If 
he  was  your  boy,  what  made  him  run  away  from 
you  ? " 


DICK  THE  BOOTBLACK.  183 

"  Because  he  is  a  bad  lot.    He  won't  obey  me." 

"  Ain't  he  bad,  though  ?  "  said  the  bootblack  vir- 
tuously. "  And  you  look  like  such  a  kind  old  man, 
too.    He'd  ought  to  be  flogged,  that  he  had." 

"  I  am  not  so  very  old,"  said  the  professor  quickly ; 
for,  like  a  good  many  others,  he  didn't  care  to  be 
considered  aged. 

"  That  so !    You  don't  look  more'n  sixty." 

"I  am  not  near  that,"  said  Puffer.  "But  that 
is  of  no  importance.  If  you'll  help  me  you  will  find 
it  for  your  advantage." 

"  I'll  try.  S'pose  I  do  find  him,  where  will  I  find 
you?" 

The  professor  took  out  a  card  and  wrote  his  address 
on  it. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  to  do,"  he  said.  "  If  you  find 
Bernard " 

"  Is  that  his  name  ?  " 

"  Yes.  Bernard  Brooks.  If  you  see  him,  find  out 
where  he  lives  and  come  and  tell  me." 

"  What  will  you  do  to  him,  if  you  catch  him  ? " 
asked  the  bootblack,  with  curiosity. 

"  ISTever  you  mind !  I  will  take  him  back  into  mj 
charge.    I  may  send  him  to  a  boarding-school." 

"  I  wish  some  kind  gentleman  would  send  me  to  a 
boardin'-school,"  said  the  bootblack,  with  an  angelic 
expression.     "  Say,  mister,  won't  you  adopt  me  ?  " 


184  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  cannot  afford  it.  Besides,  I  have  trouble 
enough  with  the  boy  I  have ;  but  I  can't  stand  wait- 
ing here.  You  are  sure  you  didn't  see  where  the  boy 
went?" 

"  No,  I  didn't." 

"  Somehow  that  boy  continually  eludes  me,"  mut- 
tered Puffer,  as  he  walked  disappointed  away.  "  I 
begin  to  hate  him." 

Meanwhile  Bernard  had  not  gone  very  far.  He 
had  darted  into  a  narrow  street,  and,  himself  screened 
from  observation,  watched  the  interview  between  the 
professor  and  the  bootblack.  Though  he  could  not 
hear  what  was  said,  he  judged  that  his  street  friend 
was  not  betraying  him. 

"  He  has  an  honest  face,  though  a  dirty  one,"  he 
reflected.  "  He  has  earned  the  money  I  promised 
him." 

When  Professor  Puffer  had  disappeared  from  the 
scene  he  crossed  to  where  the  bootblack  was  standing. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  "  so  he's  gone." 

"  Yes." 

"  You  had  quite  a  talk  with  him." 

"  Yes.  I  fooled  the  old  man.  He's  goin'  to  give 
me  sixpence  for  lettin'  him  know  where  you  live." 

Bernard  laughed. 

"  You  can  tell  him  any  place  you  like,"  he 
said. 


DICK  THE  BOOTBLACK.  185 

"  Then  I'll  tell  him  you're  boardin'  with  Queen 
Victoria  at  Buckingham  Palace." 

"  I  don't  think  he'll  give  you  sixpence  for  that." 

"  I  don't  want  any  of  his  money,"  said  the  boot- 
black contemptuously.     "  He's  no  good." 

"  What  did  he  say  about  me  ?  " 

"  He  says  you're  a  bad  lot." 

"  I've  heard  that  before.  I'd  a  good  deal  rather 
have  you  for  a  friend  than  him." 

"  Would  you  ? "  asked  the  bootblack,  with  an  ex- 
pression of  gratification. 

"  What  is  your  name  ?  " 

"  Dick  Sprowl." 

"  Then,  Dick,  there's  my  hand." 

"  My  hand  is  dirty.    You'd  better  not  take  it." 

"  I  don't  care  whether  your  hand  is  dirty  or  not. 
Your  heart  is  all  right.  There's  the  shilling  I  prom- 
ised you." 

"  You're  a  gentleman,"  said  the  bootblack.  "  Say, 
you  needn't  give  me  any  money  as  long  as  you're 
my  friend." 

"  Yes,  Dick,  take  the  money,  and  my  friendship, 
too." 

Bernard  returned  to  the  Arundel  Hotel  in  time  for 
dinner. 

He  met  Miss  Minerva  Smith  on  the  doorstep,  wait- 
ing for  the  door  to  open. 


186  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Wellj  Bernard,"  she  said  pleasantly,  "  has  any- 
thing happened  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  I  fell  in  with  Professor  Puffer." 

"  Where  ?  " 

"  On  the  Strand." 

*'  Was  the  interview  a  pleasant  one  ? " 

Bernard  laughed. 

"  To  tell  the  truth,  I  didn't  wait  to  see  him." 

Then  he  told  of  the  professor's  approach,  and  of  his 
escape  by  the  help  of  the  bootblack. 

"  You  seem  to  have  been  fortunate.  Have  you 
heard  of  any  position  ?  " 

"  No,"  answered  Bernard,  shaking  his  head.  "  I 
am  not  so  lucky  as  that.  I  am  beginning  to  feel  a 
little  anxious.  I  am  not  sure  but  I  ought  to  find  a 
cheaper  boarding  place." 

"  I  don't  think  you  could —  that  is,  a  satisfactory 
one.  Perhaps  it  may  not  be  necessary.  In  looking 
over  a  morning  paper  I  saw  an  advertisement  which 
might  possibly  prove  of  advantage  to  you." 

"  Let  me  see  it !  "  said  Bernard  eagerly. 

"  I  will  show  it  to  you  after  dinner." 

"  That  may  be  too  late." 

"  No ;  the  applicant  was  to  call  between  three  and 
four  this  afternoon." 

After  dinner  Miss  Smith  produced  the  paper,  and 
called  Bernard's  attention  to  this  advertisement. 


DICK  THE  BOOTBLACK.  187 

WA!N"TED — Bj  a  young  man  about  to  make  a 
voyage  for  his  health,  a  pleasant  traveling  companion. 
Apply,  between  three  and  four  o'clock  this  afternoon 
at  Morley's  Hotel,  Trafalgar  Square. 

Waltek  Cunningham. 

"  How  would  that  suit  you,  Bernard  ?  "  asked  Miss 
Smith. 

"  Very  well  indeed." 

"  Then  you  are  not  afraid  of  seasickness  ?  " 

"  ISTo ;  in  my  voyage  across  the  Atlantic  I  had  no 
trouble  in  that  way.  Do  you  think  I  shall  have  any 
chance  of  success  ?  " 

"  I  think  your  appearance  would  recommend  you. 
The  chief  obstacle  would  be  your  youth.  If  jou 
were  as  old  as  I  am — "  and  she  smiled  and  paused. 

"  Can't  you  lend  me  a  few  years.  Miss  Smith  ?  " 
asked  Bernard. 

"  I  should  be  only  too  glad  to  do  so,"  replied  the 
schoolmistress ;  "  but  I  am  afraid  that  is  not  practi- 
cable." 

"  Perhaps  I  should  be  expected  to  bear  my  own  ex- 
penses," suggested  Bernard.  "  Of  course,  that  would 
be  out  of  the  question." 

"  That  is  hardly  likely.  At  any  rate,  you  will 
soon  learn  all  the  particulars." 

"  Where  is  Trafalgar  Square  ?  " 


188     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Not  much  over  a  mile  distant.  You  might  take 
a  hansom." 

"  I  think  I  will.  Otherwise  I  might  fall  in  "with 
Professor  Puffer  again,  and  even  if  I  escaped  from 
him,  the  delay  might  prove  fatal." 

"  Very  true.  Tortunately,  the  expense  will  be 
trifling." 

Bernard  went  up  to  his  room  and  put  on  a  clean 
collar.  He  brushed  his  hair  carefully  also.  His 
shoes  were  all  right,  thanks  to  his  young  street  friend, 
Dick  Sprowl. 

Then  he  went  to  the  Strand  and  hailed  a  hansom. 

"  I  want  to  go  to  Morley's  Hotel,  Trafalgar 
Square,"  he  said.    "  Do  you  know  where  it  is  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  cabby,  with  a  pitying  smile. 
"  111  have  you  there  in  a  jiffy." 

In  about  fifteen  minutes  the  cab  drew  up  in  front 
of  a  plain  hotel,  and  the  driver  assisted  Bernard  to 
descend. 

Bernard  satisfied  himself  that  this  was  Morley's 
Hotel,  and  dismissing  the  cab  driver  he  advanced  to 
the  entrance.  The  result  of  his  application  would  be 
so  important  to  him  that  ho  could  not  help  feeling 
nervouB. 


CHAPTEE  XXIII. 

AW    APAKTMENT    AT    MORLEy's    HOTEL. 

Beknaed  was  shown  up-stairs  to  an  apartment  on 
the  second  floor.  He  was  ushered  into  an  anteroom, 
where  four  persons  were  alreadj^  sitting.  These  Ber- 
nard inferred  were  applicants  for  the  post  of  travel- 
ing companion. 

When  he  entered,  the  others  regarded  him  with  in- 
terest, and,  as  it  seemed,  with  amusement.  His  youth 
made  it  seem  ridiculous  in  their  eyes  for  him  to  as- 
pire to  the  position  advertised, 

Bernard,  too,  was  interested  in  taking  stock  of 
his  competitors. 

One  was  a  tall  young  man,  of  about  thirty-five, 
dressed  in  a  tightly  fitting  suit,  the  coat  buttoned  up 
to  the  throat.  Whatever  his  qualifications  might  be, 
he  looked  stiff  and  uncompanionable. 

His  next  neighbor  was  considerably  shorter,  quite 
smartly  dressed,  and  his  face  wore  a  self-satisfied 
smirk,  as  if  he  had  a  remarkably  good  opinion  of  him- 
self. Another  was  a  man  of  at  least  forty,  with  a 
middle-aged  look,  and  an  air  of  discouragement  about 
him. 

189 


190     BERNARD  BROOKS  ADVENTURES. 

The  fourth  was  an  awkward  looking  young  man, 
not  over  twenty-one,  who  seemed  bashful  and  ill  at 
ease.  He  was  just  from  the  university,  where  he 
had  not  quite  completed  the  full  course,  and,  what- 
ever his  scholarship  might  be,  looked  inexperienced 
and  unpractical. 

A  man  servant  appeared,  and  looking  about  him 
doubtfully,  signaled  to  the  first  mentioned  applicant 
to  follow  him.  While  he  was  closeted  with  the  ad- 
vertiser, the  others  were  expectant  and  ill  at  ease. 
They  feared  that  choice  would  be  made  of  the  first 
applicant. 

At  the  end  of  ten  minutes  he  reappeared  in  the  an- 
teroom.    All  eyes  were  turned  upon  him. 

"  Are  you  engaged  ?  "  asked  applicant  ISTo.  2. 

The  tall  young  man  answered  complacently,  "  Not 
yet,  but  I  probably  shall  be.  Mr.  Cunningham  will 
communicate  with  me." 

He  left  the  room,  and  "Ro.  2  followed  the  servant 
into  the  advertiser's  presence.  He  reappeared  at  the 
end  of  five  minutes. 

"  Well  ?  "  asked  the  man  of  middle  age  anxiously. 

"  I  think  it  will  be  me,"  was  the  reply.  "  Mr. 
Cunningham  was  very  social  and  agreeable.  Between 
ourselves,  there  isn't  the  slightest  chance  of  the  other 
man  being  taken.    He  flattered  himself  too  much." 

"  Is  he  going  to  write  to  you  ?  " 


AN  APARTMENT  AT  MORLEY'S  HOTEL.        191 

"  Yes.  I  told  him  that  the  first  man  fully  expected 
the  appointment,  hut  he  only  laughed.  I  understood 
what  that  meant." 

So  No.  2  departed  and  ITo.  3  was  invited  into  the 
advertiser's  presence. 

He,  too,  came  hack  at  the  end  of  from  five  to  ten 
minutes,  hut  he  did  not  look  as  confident  as  the  two 
who  preceded  him. 

"  Are  you  chosen  ? "  asked  the  university  man 
eagerly. 

"  No,  and  I  don't  think  I  shall  he.  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham evidently  regarded  me  as  too  old.  He  is  himself 
a  young  man.  I  don't  think  he  is  over  twenty-three  or 
twenty-four." 

The  college  man  brightened  up.  This  seemed  fav- 
orable to  his  chances.  As  he  argued.  Cunningham 
would  naturally  prefer  a  person  somewhere  near  his 
own  age. 

At  a  signal,  from  the  servant  he  entered  the  pres- 
ence of  AValter  Cunningham,  his  face  flushing  with 
nervous  embarrassment. 

Soon  he,  too,  came  out,  and  there  was  but  one  ap- 
plicant left — Bernard — to  greet  him.  He,  too,  had 
been  of  opinion  that  the  college  man  would  be  ac- 
cepted. 

"  Am  I  to  congratulate  you  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  don't  know,"   answered  the  university  man. 


192     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Mr.  Cunningham  was  very  kind  and  friendly.  He 
has  reserved  his  decision,  and  tells  me  that  if  I  am 
selected  I  will  hear  from  him  in  two  days." 

"  Follow  me,  young  man,"  said  the  servant,  signal- 
ing to  Bernard. 

Bernard  found  himself  almost  immediately  in  the 
presence  of  Walter  Cunningham.  The  advertiser 
was  a  pleasant  looking  young  man,  whose  appearance 
attracted  Bernard.  He  looked  rather  surprised  at 
Bernard's  youth. 

"  Have  you  come  in  answer  to  my  advertise- 
ment ? "  he  asked. 

"  I  have,"  replied  Bernard.  "  I  can  see  that  you 
think  me  very  young." 

"  Well,  certainly  you  are  not  very  old,"  returned 
Cunningham,  smiling  pleasantly.  "  How  old  are 
you?" 

"  Sixteen." 

"  And  I  am  twenty-three." 

"  It  is  rather  presumptuous  in  me  to  answer  your 
advertisement,  but  there  was  no  limitation  of  age." 

"  True.  You  were  quite  justified  in  applying. 
You  are  not  English  ?  " 

"  No ;  I  am  an  American." 

"  So  I  judged.  I  know  something  of  America. 
Two  years  since  I  spent  six  months  in  the  States.     I 


AN  APARTMENT  AT  MORLEY'S  HOTEL.        193 

have  seen  most  of  your  large  cities,  from  New  York 
to  San  Francisco." 

*'  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  my  traveling  has  been 
very  limited." 

''  And  you  really  have  no  special  qualifications  for 
the  position  of  a  traveling  companion  ?  " 

"  No,  sir." 

'^  Are  you  acquainted  with  any  of  the  modem  lan- 
guages ?  " 

"  I  can  read  French  pretty  easily." 

Mr.  Cunningham  looked  pleased. 

"  That  will  be  a  help,"  he  said.  "  Do  you  speak 
it  at  all  ?  " 

"  Just  a  little.  I  wrote  French  exercises,  and  had 
a  few  lessons  in  French  conversation.  Of  course,  I 
have  very  small  claim  to  the  place,  but  it  is  quite  im- 
portant for  me  to  find  employment,  and  an  American 
lady — a  teacher — suggested  to  me  to  apply." 

"  Then  your  means  are  limited  ?  Have  you  par- 
ents ?  " 

"  No,  sir ;  I  am  quite  alone  in  the  world." 

"  How  did  you  chance  to  come  to  England  ?  " 

"  It  might  take  me  some  time  to  answer  that  ques- 
tion." 

"  Never  mind !  I  have  plenty  of  time  at  my  com- 
mand." 

Thus  invited,  Bernard  made  a  full  statement  of  his 
13 


194  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

position,  and  the  circumstances  which  led  to  his  leav- 
ing America.  He  also  explained  why  he  had  left 
Professor  Puffer. 

"  I  am  very  much  interested  in  your  narrative/' 
said  Cunningham.  "  You  are  certainly  placed  in  a 
difficult  position.  You  have  reason  to  think  that  your 
guardian  is  no  friend  of  yours  ?  " 

"  I  am  certain  of  that,  sir." 

"  This  Professor  Puffer,  though  it  is  doubtful  if 
he  has  any  rightful  claim  to  the  title,  appears  to  be 
a  bad  lot." 

"  That's  what  he  calls  me,"  said  Bernard,  laugh- 
ing. He  already  felt  on  very  cordial  terms  with  Mr. 
Cunningham. 

"  I  may  be  foolish,"  went  on  Cunningham,  after  a 
pause.  "  I  don't  know  what  my  friends  will  say,  but 
I  feel  very  much  inclined  to  engage  you." 

"  I  hope  you  will.  It  is  not  only  that  I  need  em- 
ployment.   I  am  sure  I  should  enjoy  being  with  you." 

"  That  settles  it,"  said  Cunningham.  "  I  already 
like  you,  and  if  you  like  me  I  am  sure  it  will  be  pleas- 
ant for  us  to  be  associated.  To  be  sure,  you  don't 
know  much  about  traveling.  I  do,  and  can  supply 
your  deficiencies.  I^ow  I  will  tell  you  why  I  seek 
a  companion.  Partly  because  it  is  agreeable,  but 
partly  also  because  I  am  not  robust  and  am  likely — 
that  is,  there  is  a  chance  of  being  sick — and  in  that 


AN  APARTMENT  AT  MORLEY'S  HOTEL.        195 

case  I  should  need  a  friend  with  me.  I  think  I  want 
a  friend  more  than  a  companion.  That  was  one 
reason  why  I  didn't  feel  favorably  inclined  to  the 
other  applicants." 

"  No  doubt  they  were  better  qualified  than  I  am." 

"  Yes,  they  were.  The  first  one  has  considerable 
experience  in  traveling  and  speaks  two  or  three  of  the 
(Continental  languages,  but  I  never  could  make  a 
friend  of  him." 

"  He  seemed  very  stiff  and  unsocial." 

"  That  was  my  judgment  of  him.  As  to  the  second, 
he  was  entirely  too  w^ell  satisfied  with  himself.  I 
have  no  doubt  he  would  try  to  make  himself  agree- 
able, and  he  has  traveled  some." 

"  He  seemed  to  think  there  was  every  chance  of  his 
obtaining  the  position.  No  one  thought  I  had  any 
chance." 

"  You  wouldn't  have  with  most  persons,  but  I  hap- 
pen to  like  you,"  said  Walter  Cunningham  frankly. 

"  I  am  glad  of  that.  I  thought  the  young  man  who 
went  in  last  might  be  successful.  The  middle-aged 
man  didn't  have  strong  hopes." 

"  No,  he  is  too  old,  and  seems  to  have  had  such  a 
rough  time  in  life  that  he  would  be  far  from  a  cheer- 
ful companion.  He  seems  very  hard  up.  When  I 
write  him  my  refusal  I  shall  send  him  a  five  pound 
note  to  relieve  his  feeling  of  disappointment." 


196  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  That  will  be  very  kind  in  you.  I  would  do  the 
same  in  your  place." 

"  I  think  we  are  alike  in  being  considerate  of 
others.  As  to  the  young  man,  he  doesn't  seem  to  be 
practical.  I  am  afraid  that  I  should  be  a  companion 
to  him  rather  than  he  to  me." 

"  It  may  be  so  with  me,  but  I  shall  try  to  make 
myself  useful." 

"  You  look  bright,  and  would,  I  think,  learn  rap- 
idly to  do  all  I  expect  of  you." 

At  this  moment  the  man  servant  came  in  and 
handed  a  card  to  Mr.  Cunningham,  who  uttered  an 
exclamation  of  surprise. 

"  Whose  card  do  you  think  this  is  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  couldn't  guess." 

"  It  bears  the  name  of  Professor  Ezra  Puffer,  your 
friend." 

"  Don't  call  him  my  friend !  What  can  bring  him 
here  ? " 

"  He  wants  to  be  my  traveling  companion.'* 


CHAPTEK  XXIV. 

PEOFESSOE  PUFFEE  FEOM  HIS  OWN  POINT  OF  VIEW. 

"  Shall  you  see  him,  Mr.  Cunningham  ? "  asked 
Bernard. 

"  Yes  5  I  have  engaged  you,  to  be  sure,  but  after 
what  you  have  told  me  of  the  professor,  I  am  curious 
to  interview  him." 

"  I  shouldn't  like  to  have  him  see  me.  He  might 
try  to  get  me  into  his  power." 

"  Wouldn't  you  like  to  be  present  and  hear  what 
he  has  to  say  ?  " 

"  Yes,  if  I  could  do  so  unobserved." 

"  You  can.  There  is  an  alcove  curtained  off  from 
the  main  room.  Go  in  there,  and  you  can  hear  every 
word  that  passes  between  us." 

"  Thank  you,  I  shall  like  it  very  much." 

"  You  may  tell  the  gentleman  to  come  in,"  said 
Walter  Cunningham,  addressing  his  servant. 

The  latter  reappeared,  followed  by  Professor  Puf- 
fer, who  bowed  low  to  the  young  man  from  whom 
he  sought  a  position. 

197 


198  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Professor  Puffer  ?  "  said  Cunningham  inquir- 
ingly- 

"  I  have  that  honor,"  said  Puffer.  "  I  called  about 
your  advertisement  for  a  traveling  companion." 

"  Do  you  know  of  any  one  whom  you  can  recom- 
mend ?  " 

"  I  would  be  glad  to  accept  the  position  myself. 
What  salary  do  you  propose  to  give  ?  " 

"  That  will  be  a  matter  of  negotiation  after  I  have 
made  my  selection." 

"  I  only  wanted  to  make  sure  that  it  would  be 
worth  my  while  to  accept.  As  you  may  infer  from 
my  card  I  am  a  man  of  reputation/'  and  Professor 
Puffer  swelled  out  his  chest  and  assumed  a  look  of 
dignity. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  I  consider  it  a  compliment 
that  a  man  of  your  standing  should  be  willing  to  be 
my  companion." 

"  To  tell  the  truth,  Mr.  Cunningham,"  went  on 
Puffer,  "  I  was  not  sure  till  I  saw  you  whether  I 
should  be  willing,  but  now  that  I  have  seen  you  1 
have  a  strong  desire  to  accompany  you." 

"  Appearances  are  deceitful,  you  know,  profes- 
sor." 

"  I  am  willing  to  take  the  risk.  How  soon  do  you 
propose  to  start  ?  " 

"  My  dear  sir,  it  seems  to  me  you  are  going  too  fast. 


PUFFER  FROM  HIS  OWN  POINT  OF  VIEW.     199 

I  have  not  yet  selected  you.  I  should  like  to  ask 
you  a  few  questions." 

"  I  shall  have  pleasure  in  answering,  sir.  Pro- 
fessor Puffer  is  always  open  and  aboveboard." 

"  That  is  well.  May  I  ask  where  you  have  held 
the  position  of  professor  ?  " 

"  At  the  American  University  of  Harvard.  Doubt' 
less  you  have  heard  of  it." 

"  Certainly." 

"  I  have  also  lectured  at  Cornell  University." 

"  On  what  subject  ?  " 

"  Ahem  !     On  antiquities." 

"  Then  that  is  your  specialty  ?" 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Doubtless  I  should  find  your  companionship  very 
instructive." 

"  You  are  kind  to  say  so." 

"  I  don't  say  so.  I  only  say  that  from  your  account 
of  yourself  I  should  presume  so.  Of  course  I  know 
of  you  only  from  your  own  statements.  So  you  were 
a  professor  at  Harvard  University  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  During  what  years  ?  " 

"  I  left  there  a  year  since,  after  serving  for  a  term 
of  five  years." 

"  That  was  a  long  period.  Why  did  you  leave,  may 
I  ask?" 


200  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  On  account  of  my  health.  I  labored  so  assid- 
uously that  it  became  seriously  affected.  My  physi- 
cian prescribed  traveling  for  a  year  or  more.  My 
means  are  not  large,  partly  because  I  have  spent  so 
much  money  on  books  and  scientific  research,  and  our 
salaries  as  professors  were  not  munificent." 

"  You  have  a  large  library  ? '' 

"  About  four  hundred  volumes,"  answered  Puffer 
promptly.  "  I  think  those  books — many  of  them  rare 
— must  have  cost  over  ten  thousand  dollars." 

"  Where  are  they  now  ?  " 

"  I  have  stored  them.  I  could  not  make  Up  my 
mind  to  sell  them." 

"  What  an  old  humbug!  "  thought  Bernard,  as  he 
heard  the  professor's  statements  in  the  security  of  the 
alcove. 

"  May  I  ask  your  age,  Professor  Puffer  ?  " 

Puffer  hesitated,  and  finally  answered,  "  I  am 
forty-five." 

Walter  Cunningham  would  have  been  surprised  if 
he  had  put  any  confidence  in  the  professor's  state- 
ments, as  he  looked  at  least  ten  years  older. 

"  I  asked  because  I  am  a  young  man,  and  though 
you  are  doubtless  a  man  from  whom  I  should  gain 
instruction,  I  am  in  doubt  as  to  whether  your  age 
would  not  be  too  great  to  make  you  a  congenial  com- 
panion." 


PUFFER  FROM  HIS  OWN  POINT  OF  VIEW.    201 

"  My  dear  Mr.  Cunningham/'  said  the  professor 
with  a  genial  smile,  "  I  am  not  surprised  to  hear  you 
say  so.  Eorty-five  no  doubt  seems  very  old  to  you, 
but  I  assure  you  I  have  a  young  heart  and  my  com- 
pany is  prized  by  a  great  many  young  people.  Why, 
only  recently  I  was  engaged  as  companion  for  a  boy 
of  sixteen." 

"  Indeed !    What  was  his  name  ?  " 

"  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  Did  he  seem  happy  in  your  company  ?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed !  We  were  like  brothers.  He  loved 
me  dearly." 

Walter  Cunningham  had  hard  work  to  suppress  a 
smile,  and  Bernard  felt  like  choking  with  laughter. 

"  Old  Puffer  is  a  worse  humbug  than  I  supposed," 
he  said  to  himself.  "  How  I  should  like  to  burst 
upon  him  after  that  big  falsehood !  Wouldn't  he  look 
disconcerted !  " 

"  Where  is  the  boy  now  ?  I  should  like  to  see 
him." 

"  He  has  left  England  with  some  friends  of  the 
family." 

"  Was  he  sorry  to  part  with  you  ?  " 

"  I  don't  like  to  boast,  but,  big  boy  as  he  is,  he 
shed  tears  at  leaving  me." 

"  How  was  it  that  you  gained  such  an  ascendency 
over  him  ? " 


202     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  really  can't  say.  I  am  naturally  fond  of  young 
people,  and  they  take  to  me." 

"  You  think,  then,  that  I  should  find  you  an  agree- 
able companion  ?  " 

"  My  dear  Mr.  Cunningham,  may  I  say  Walter, 
give  me  a  week  and  we  should  be  like  Damon  and 
Pythias." 

"  I  suppose  this  boy  Bernard  was  an  attractive 
boy?" 

"  Very  much  so.  Of  course  he  had  his  faults — 
most  boys  have — but  as  long  as  he  gave  me  his  af- 
fection I  was  willing  to  overlook  them." 

"  That  was  very  kind  in  you.  I  am  afraid  I  have 
faults,  too." 

"  Very  few,  I  am  sure,  Walter — excuse  me,  Mr. 
Cunningham." 

"  Can  you  give  me  an  idea  of  what  you  would  re- 
gard as  a  satisfactory  salary  in  case  I  engaged  you  ?  " 

The  professor  brightened  up.  This  looked  en- 
couraging. 

"  At  Harvard  I  was  paid  three  thousand  dollars  a 
year,"  he  said,  "  bat  then  my  duties  were  arduous. 
I  instructed  a  large  junior  class,  and  gave  lectures 
weekly  to  the  seniors." 

"  I  hope  you  wouldn't  feel  inclined  to  lecture  me, 
professor." 

"  Ha,  ha !  very  good !  "  said  Puffer,  laughing  heart- 


PUFFER  FROM  HIS  OWN  POINT  OF  VIEW.     203 

ily.  "  You  will  have  your  joke.  However,  I  only 
mentioned  this  to  explain  why  my  salary  was  so  large. 
Of  course  I  shouldn't  expect  nearly  as  much  with 
you.  If  you  paid  my  traveling  expenses  and  a  hun- 
dred dollars  a  month  it  would  satisfy  me.  I  am  not 
f  xpecting  to  save  much  in  this  my  year  of  recreation." 

"  I  will  consider  your  proposal  By  the  V7ay,  can 
you  show  me  a  catalogue  of  Harvard  University 
w^ith  your  name  enrolled  as  professor  ? " 

"  I  am  really  sorry,  but  I  don't  happen  to  have  a 
catalogue  with  me." 

"  One  of  Cornell,  where  I  understand  you  gave  a 
course  of  lectures,  will  do." 

''  I  regret  to  say  that  I  haven't  that  either." 

"  Of  course  I  don't  doubt  you,  but  it  would  be 
pleasant  to  have  some  confirmation  of  your  state- 
ments." 

"  My  dear  Mr.  Cunningham,  I  hope  you  don't 
doubt  my  word." 

"  You  know  I  have  never  met  you  before  this 
morning.  Perhaps  you  have  some  of  the  books  you 
have  published  which  you  can  show  me." 

"  I  haven't  at  present,  but  I  may  be  able  to  pick 
one  up  in  the  London  book  stores." 

"  Do  so,  and  send  it  to  me  by  messenger.  I  shall 
be  too  busy  to  see  you  for  a  week  to  come." 

"  Do  I  understand,"  asked  the  professor  insinua^ 


204  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

ingly,  "  that  you  engage  me  as  a  traveling  compan- 
ion?" 

"  Don't  understand  anything  of  the  kind  just  now. 
Give  me  your  address,  and  I  will  communicate  with 
you." 

"  I  am  staying  at  the  Brown  Hotel,  in  Norfolk 
Street." 

"  Very  well,  I  will  note  it  down." 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, as  I  have  another  position  in  view." 

"  Very  well,  Professor  Puffer.  I  won't  keep  you 
waiting  unduly." 

Professor  Puffer  bowed  gracefully  and  retired. 
Then  Bernard  was  called  from  his  nook  by  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham.   He  came  out  all  smiles. 

"  It  was  as  good  as  a  play,  Mr,  Cunningham,"  he 
said.  "  I  am  very  glad  the  professor  speaks  so  well 
of  me.    It  is  quite  unexpected." 

"  It  seems  you  shed  tears  at  leaving  him." 

"  If  I  did  they  were  tears  of  joy." 

"  I  don't  know  but  I  had  better  reconsider  my  de- 
cision and  engage  Professor  Puffer  instead  of  you." 

"  If  you  really  think  you  would  like  him  better, 
Mr.  Cunningham,  you  had  better  do  so." 

"  You  are  not  very  much  afraid  of  it.  Well,  Ber- 
nard, I  will  tell  you  what  I  did  not  care  to  tell  him. 
I  mean  to  start  away  inside  of  a  week,  and  I  think 


PUFFER  FROM  HIS  OWN  POINT  OF  VIEW.     205 

you  bad  better  join  me  at  tbis  botel,  so  tbat  we  may 
make  preparations  togetber."  ^ 

"  I  sboiild  like  notbing  better."  " 

"  As  to  tbe  salary — ^you  bave  not  inquired  bow 
mucb  I  am  to  pay  you." 

"  I  am  content  to  leave  tbat  to  you." 

"  Very  well.  Tbe  professor  settled  tbat  matter. 
I  will  pay  your  traveling  expenses  and  give  you  a 
bundred  dollars  a  montb." 

"  But  that  is  mucb  more  than  I  can  earn,"  said 
Bernard,  in  astonisbment. 

"  Very  probably.  I  give  you  a  large  salary  out  of 
friendship." 

Miss  Smith,  the  schoolmistress,  was  delighted  to 
bear  of  Bernard's  success.  Tbe  next  day  be  removed 
to  Morley's  Hotel. 


^      CHAPTEK  XXV. 

BERNAEd's  good  rOETUNE. 

"  It  will  be  several  days  before  I  shall  be  able  to 
get  away,  Bernard,"  said  Walter  Cunningham,  the 
next  morning,  "  and,  by  the  way,  I  have  not  told  you 
where  I  am  going." 

"  No,  sir ;  I  should  like  very  much  to  know." 

"  I  propose  to  visit  Italy  and  perhaps  Sicily.  We 
shall  go  first  to  Paris,  and  remain  a  short  time." 

Bernard's  eyes  sparkled.  He  had  always  wished 
to  visit  the  continent,  and  had  expected  to  do  so  in 
the  company  of  Professor  Puffer,  but  he  felt  that  he 
should  enjoy  himself  much  more  in  the  companion- 
ship of  Walter  Cunningham.  Even  had  Puffer 
proved  a  reliable  man,  there  was  nothing  about  him 
to  win  the  good  will  and  attachment  of  a  boy  of  his 
age. 

"  I  shall  enjoy  it  very  much,  Mr.  Cunningham," 
said  Bernard. 

"  So  I  hope.  I  have  not  told  you  much  about  my- 
self," continued  the  young  man,  "  but  as  we  are  to 
be  companions  and  friends  it  is  proper  that  I  should 
do  so." 

206 


BERNARD'S  GOOD  FORTUNE.  207 

Bernard  did  not  speak,  but  his  face  expressed  un- 
mistakable interest.  # 

"  I  am  alone  in  the  world.  My  father  and  mother 
are  dead,  and  I  never  had  a  brother  or  sister.  My 
father  was  a  wealthy  man  of  business  and  a  man  of 
note,  having  reached  (this  was  two  years  before  he 
died)  the  position  of  Lord  Mayor  of  London.  He 
contracted  a  fever  at  his  country  house,  where,  it 
appeared,  the  drainage  was  bad.  Two  years  since, 
just  after  I  had  attained  my  majority,  he  died,  my 
mother  having  preceded  him ;  and  I  was  left  in 
possession  of  a  hundred  thousand  pounds." 

"  Half  a  million  of  dollars !  "  said  Bernard. 

"  Yes,  that  is  the  way  it  would  be  rated  in  Amer- 
ica. In  a  pecuniary  way,  therefore,  I  am  fortunate, 
but  I  can't  tell  you  how  solitary  I  feel  at  times." 

"  I  can  understand  it,  Mr.  Cunningham.  I  am  in 
the  same  position  as  yourself,  only  that  I  am  left 
destitute." 

"  Then  it  appears  to  me,  Bernard,  there  is  a  special 
propriety  in  our  being  together.    How  old  are  you  ?  " 

"  Sixteen." 

"  I  am  but  seven  years  older.  I  shall  look  upon 
you  as  a  younger  brother,  and  in  our  new  relation- 
ship I  shall  expect  you  to  drop  the  formal  Mr.  and 
call  me  Walter." 


208  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  It  will  seem  awkward  at  first,  but  I  shall  get  used 
to  it  and  like  it" 

"  By  the  way — you  will  excuse  my  mentioning  it— 
but  it  seems  to  me  that  your  suit  is  well  worn,  not  to 
say  shabby." 

"  That  is  true.  As  soon  as  I  can  afford  it  I  will 
buy  another." 

"  You  need  not  wait  till  then.  I  will  send  you 
to  my  tailor's,  with  instructions  to  make  you  two 
suits  at  once.  I  will  also  give  you  an  order  on  my 
haberdasher  for  such  articles  as  you  may  require  in 
his  line." 

"  Thank  you.  You  can  deduct  the  price  from  my 
salary." 

"  That  is  unnecessary.  These  articles  will  be  my 
first  gift  to  you." 

"  How  kind  you  are,  Walter.  I  think,"  Bernard 
added  with  a  smile,  "  Professor  Puffer  would  be 
willing  to  be  a  brother  to  you." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,  but  in  spite  of  the  profes- 
sor's fascinations  and  the  affection  which  he  says  you 
entertain  for  him,  I  am  afraid  I  should  not  appre- 
ciate him  as  perhaps  he  deserves.  ISTow,  I  think  it 
will  be  well  for  you  to  go  and  order  your  clothing, 
as  we  haven't  much  time  to  spare." 

Mr.  Cunninffbam's  tailor  occupied  a  shop  in  Ee- 
gent  Street,  and  thither  Bernard  went.    He  took  with 


BERNARD'S  GOOD  FORTUNE.        209 

him  a  note  from  his  employer  which  insured  him  a 
flattering  reception.  He  had  no  trouble  in  choosing 
cloth  for  suits,  as  Mr.  Cunningham  had  sent  in 
structions.  'Next  he  repaired  to  the  haberdasher's, 
and  selected  such  furnishing  goods  as  he  required. 
By  special  direction  of  Mr.  Cunningham  they  were  of 
the  best  description. 

He  was  just  coming  out  of  the  shop  when  he  met 
the  young  man — the  first  applicant  for  the  position  of 
companion  to  Mr.  Cunningham.  He  looked  rather 
shabby,  and  Bernard  noticed  that  his  coat  was  shiny. 

He  stopped  short  at  sight  of  Bernard. 

"  Didn't  I  see  you  at  Mr.  Cunningham's  rooms  at 
Morley's  two  days  since  ?  "  he  inquired. 
•  "  Yes,  sir." 

"  I  have  been  expecting  to  hear  from  him.  Do  you 
know  whether  he  has  yet  made  choice  of  a  traveling 
companion  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir ;  he  has." 

A  shade  of  disappointment  passed  over  the  young 
man's  features. 

"  Whom  did  he  select  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  He  chose  me." 

"  You !  "  exclaimed  the  other,  in  mingled  surprise 
and  disdain.     "  You  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 


14 


210     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  on  earth  made  him  select  you  ?  Why,  you 
are  only  a  boy." 

"  That  is  true." 

"  Have  you  ever  traveled  ?  " 

"  Only  across  the  Atlantic  from  America." 

"  It  is  positively  humiliating,"  said  the  other  ang- 
rily, "  to  be  superseded  by  a  half  grown,  immature 
boy,"  and  he  glared  at  Bernard. 

"  lS[o  doubt,  sir,"  said  Bernard. 

"  Why,  it  was  the  height  of  audacity  for  you  to 
apply  for  such  a  position." 

"  I  suppose  it  was,"  said  Bernard  modestly;  "but 
I  had  one  excuse." 

"What  was  it?" 

"  I  was  poor,  and  very  much  in  need  of  employ- 
ment." 

"  Then  why  didn't  you  apply  for  a  position  as  shop 
boy  ?  " 

"  Because  I  don't  think  I  could  live  on  the  pay  of 
a  shop  boy." 

"  Mr.  Cunningham  must  be  insane.  Certain  no 
man  with  his  wits  about  him  could  make  such  a 
foolish  selection.  Listen  to  me !  I  am  poor  as  well  as 
you.  I  need  a  new  suit  of  clothes,  but  I  can't  buy  it. 
I  have  been  out  of  work  for  three  months.  Now  X 
am  going  to  ask  a  favor  of  you." 

Bernard  concluded  that  the  favor  was  a  pecuniary 


BERNARD'S  GOOD  FORTUNE.  211 

one,  and  he  felt  disposed  to  assist  his  unfortunate 
fellow  applicant ;  but  he  waited  to  have  him  explain 
himself. 

"  This  is  the  favor  I  ask,"  the  young  man  pro- 
ceeded. "  You  will  not  long  retain  your  position. 
Mr.  Cunningham  will  discover  your  incompetency. 
When  you  are  about  to  be  discharged,  will  you  men- 
tion my  name  as  your  successor  ?  I  am  sure  to  suit 
Mr.  Cunningham.     There  is  my  card." 

Considerably  astonished  at  the  coolness  of  the  re- 
quest, Bernard  glanced  at  the  card.  It  bore  the  name 
and  address  of  Stephen  Brayton. 

"  I  will  remember  your  request,  Mr.  Brayton,"  he 
said  ;  "  but  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  discharged." 

"  Of  course  you  hope  so,  but  you  are  certain  to 
lose  your  place.  You  seem  to  be  good-natured.  Since 
you  have  been  successful,  perhaps  you  will  do  me 
another  favor." 

"  I  will  if  I  can." 

"  It  is  a  small  one.  I  am  very  short  of  money. 
Could  you  lend  me  half  a  crown  ?  " 

"  I  will  do  better  than  that.  Here's  half  a  sov- 
ereign." 

The  young  man's  eyes  sparkled  with  pleasure. 

"  You  have  a  good  heart,"  he  said.  "  As  I  did  not 
get  the  place  I  am  glad  you  did." 

"  Thank  you.     I  wish  you  good  luck." 


212  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  He  is  right,"  thought  Bernard.  "  It  was  cer- 
tainly a  singular  selection  for  Mr.  Cunningham  to 
make.  He  did  not  think  of  mj  qualifications.  He 
evidently  took  a  liking  to  me." 

The  next  morning  as  Bernard  was  sitting  in  Mr. 
Cunningham's  rooms  at  Morley's  assorting  his 
papers,  the  servant  brought  in  a  short  note  which 
Bernard  read. 

It  ran  thus : 

"  My  Dear  Mr.  Cunningham  : 

"  Not  yet  having  heard  from  you,  and  being  un- 
certain as  to  your  decision  in  reference  to  a  travel- 
ing companion,  I  have  ventured  to  call  to  inquire  as 
to  your  intentions.  It  is  desirable  that  I  should 
know  speedily,  as  I  have  a  proposal  from  another 
party  which  I  shall  otherwise  accept.  I  should,  how- 
ever, prefer  to  go  with  you,  as  in  the  brief  inter- 
view which  you  kindly  accorded  me  I  was  very  favor- 
ably impressed  by  your  engaging  personal  traits. 
"  I  am,  very  respectfully, 

"  Ezra  Puffer," 

Bernard  read  over  this  note  with  amusement  and  a 
little  apprehension. 

"  What  had  I  better  do  ?  "  he  thought.  "  Will  it 
be  safe  for  me  to  see  the  professor  ?  " 


Professor  Puffer  entered  the  room  with  a  jaunty  step.  "  Bernard  Brooks," 
he  ejaculated.    "  Yes,"  said  Bernard.— Page  313. 

Bernard  Brooks'  Adventures. 


BERNARD'S  GOOD  FORTUNE.  213 

Mr.  Cunningham  had  assured  him  that  Professor 
Puffer  could  have  no  possible  hold  upon  him,  and  he 
therefore  decided  to  take  the  risk. 

"  You  can  tell  the  gentleman  to  come  in,"  he  said. 

Professor  Puffer  was  in  the  anteroom.  When  he 
presented  himself,  with  the  note  already  written,  he 
asked  the  servant,  "  Is  Mr.  Cunningham  in  ?  " 

"  IsTo,  sir,"  said  the  servant ;  "  but  Mr.  Brooks  is 
in." 

"  Is  Mr.  Brooks  a  friend  of  Mr.  Cunningham's  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Then  be  kind  enough  to  hand  him  this  note.  It 
is  addressed  to  Mr.  Cunningham,  but  he  can  read  it." 

"  Yes,  sir.     All  right,  sir." 

Quite  unprepared  for  a  meeting  with  his  old 
ward,  Professor  Puffer  entered  the  room  with  a 
jaunty  step.  When  he  recognized  Bernard,  he 
stepped  back  with  an  expression  of  intense  astonish- 
ment on  his  face. 

"  Bernard  Brooks!  "  he  ejaculated. 

"  Yes,  Professor  Puffer.  What  can  I  do  for 
you?" 


CHAPTEK  XXVI. 

PROFESSOR  PUFFER  ONCE  MORE. 

"  What  brings  you  here,  Bernard  Brooks  ? "  de- 
manded Professor  Puffer  sternly.  "  You  have  no 
business  in  Mr.  Cunningham's  room." 

"  I  am  in  the  employ  of  Mr.  Cunningham,"  said 
Bernard. 

"  How  can  that  be  ?  You  are  too  young  to  be  his 
valet." 

"  I  have  been  engaged  by  him  as  his  traveling  com- 
panion." 

To  say  that  Professor  Puffer  was  surprised  would 
be  too  mild.  He  was  absolutely  overwhelmed  with 
astonishment.     He  could  not  believe  it. 

"  This  must  be  a  falsehood,"  he  returned  after  a 
pause. 

"  You  can  stay  here  and  inquire  of  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham if  you  like." 

"  I  will,"  said  Puffer  sternly.  "  I  will  let  him 
know  in  that  case  that  you  are  under  my  guardian- 
ship, and  that  I  will  not  permit  you  to  accept  the  pre- 

214 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  ONCE  MORE.  215 

posterous  engagement.  You,  a  traveling  compan- 
ion!" 

Bernard  was  not  quite  withered  by  the  professor's 
disdainful  tone.  Secure  in  the  attachment  of  Walter 
Cunningham,  all  fear  of  his  quondam  guardian  had 
disappeared. 

"  You  forget.  Professor  Puffer,  that  I  was  your 
companion,"  he  said  with  a  smile.  "  If  I  was  fit  to 
be  your  companion,  I  am  certainly  fit  to  be  his." 

"  You  were  not  my  companion.  You  were  my 
ward.  You  are  my  ward  still,  and  when  I  leave  this 
place  you  must  go  too." 

"  Would  you  take  away  Mr.  Cunningham's  travel- 
ing companion  ?  " 

"  He  will  have  no  trouble  in  obtaining  a  better  one. 
But  I  don't  believe  you  have  been  engaged.  He 
would  have  no  use  for  a  child." 

"  Say  '  kid  '  at  once,  professor." 

"  I  do  not  use  slang,"  returned  Professor  Puffer 
severely.     "  I  shall  wait  and  see  Mr.  Cunningham.'* 

"  You  will  excuse  my  going  on  with  my  work." 

"  What  are  you  doing  ?  " 

"  Sorting  Mr.  Cunningham's  papers." 

"  Does  he  trust  you  to  do  that  ?  " 

"  He  requests  me  to  do  so." 

"  Do  you  actually  mean  to  say  that  you  hare  been, 
engaged  a«  his  traveling  companion  ? " 


216  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  It  is  quite  true." 

"  Where  did  you  fall  in  with  him  ?  " 

"  I  saw  his  advertisement  and  applied  for  the 
place." 

"  Where  were  jou  staying  at  the  time  ?  " 

"  At  the  Arundel  Hotel,  near  the  Strand." 

'  Ha !  And  I  was  only  in  the  next  street-  How 
did  it  happen  that  I  did  not  meet  you  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know."  • 

"  If  your  story  is  true,  which  I  can  hardly  believe, 
what  pay  has  Mr.  Cunningham  promised  to  give 
you  ?  " 

"  Excuse  me,  Professor  Puffer,  but  I  would  rather 
not  tell." 

"  As  your  guardian,  I  demand  an  answer." 

"  You  are  not  my  guardian.  iN^othing  would  in- 
duce me  to  place  myself  again  under  your  charge. 
You  know  very  well  what  reasons  I  have  for  fearing 
and  distrusting  you." 

"  I  suppose  you  allude  to  that  little  affair  on 
board  the  Vesta." 

"  That  little  affair,  as  you  call  it,  was  an  attempt 
to  murder  me." 

"  jSTonsense !  "  said  the  professor,  but  he  did  not 
appear  quite  at  his  ease.  "  You  had  better  not  make 
Buch  a  ridiculous  charge.    'No  one  will  believe  it," 

"  You  may  be  mistaken  in  that,  Professor  Puffer." 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  ONCE  MORE.  217 

"  When  does  Mr.  Cunningham  propose  to  travel  ? " 

"  You  had  better  apply  to  him.  I  do  not  feel  at 
liberty  to  spread  his  plans." 

Professor  Puffer  felt  exceedingly  mortified  and  an- 
noyed. Here  was  a  situation  which  he  had  applied 
for  and  been  refused  actually  given  to  a  mere  boy 
against  whom  he  felt  a  grudge — his  own  ward,  as  he 
chose  to  consider  him. 

"  I  won't  let  him  keep  the  place,"  said  Puffer, 
shutting  his  lips  firmly.  "  I  will  tear  him  away  from 
this  fool  of  a  Cunningham — and  when  I  get  him  once 
more  into  my  grasp,  I  will  revenge  myself  upon  him. 
He  won't  find  it  so  easy  to  get  away  from  me  again." 

Half  an  hour  passed.  The  professor  maintained 
his  place,  looking  grim  and  angry.  Bernard  handed 
him  the  morning  issue  of  the  London  Times,  but  he 
seemed  busy  with  his  own  reflections,  and  scarcely 
glanced  at  it. 

Pinally  a  light  step  was  heard  at  the  door,  and  Mr. 
Cunningham  entered  the  room.  He  looked  from  the 
professor  to  Bernard,  and  a  smile  formed  upon  his 
face.     He  guessed  what  had  occurred. 

"  Professor  Puffer,  I  believe  ?  "  he  said. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  the  professor.  "  May  I  ask 
you  if  you  have  considered  my  application  ?  " 

"  Yes.    I  should  have  communicated  with  you.    I 


218  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

have  engaged  Mr.  Brooks  to  be  my  traveling  com- 
panion." 

"  Mr.  Brooks !  "  said  the  professor  scornfully. 
"  Are  you  aware  that  this  boy  is  under  my  guardian- 
ship ?  " 

"  'No,  I  am  not." 

"  It  is  true,  and  he  has  no  right  to  make  any  en- 
gagement without  my  permission." 

"  Excuse  me,  but  is  this  the  boy  of  sixteen  to  whom 
you  referred  in  your  conversation  with  me  the  other 
day?" 

"  He  is." 

"  You  said  that  you  had  been  engaged  as  his 
traveling  companion.  You  said  nothing  about  being 
his  guardian." 

"  I  didn't  go  into  particulars,"  replied  the  profes- 
sor, who  began  to  see  that  there  would  be  something 
to  explain. 

"  You  said,  however,  that  he  had  left  you,  and  had 
left  England  with  some  friends  of  the  family." 

"  Ahem  !  I  was  mistaken.  I  have  been  requested 
to  resume  the  charge  of  him." 

"  Have  you  a  letter  to  that  effect  ?  " 

"  IvTot  with  me." 

"  Your  story  appears  inconsistent.  I  am  convinced 
that  you  have  no  claim  upon  Bernard.     I  have  en- 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  ONCE  MORE.  219 

gaged  him  as  my  companion,  and  intend  to  take  him 
with  me  on  my  proposed  journey." 

"  Of  what  possible  use  can  a  boy  be  to  you  ?  " 

"  That  is  my  affair !  "  said  Walter  Cunningham 
shortly. 

"  I  will  not  permit  him  to  go  with  you." 

"  What  do  you  propose  to  do  about  it  ?  " 

"  I  will  appeal  to  the  law." 

"  I  think,  Professor  Puffer,  the  less  you  have  to  do 
w-ith  the  law  the  better.  Bernard  has  informed  me 
of  a  scene  on  board  the  Vesta  which  might  expose  you 
to  arrest." 

"  I  don't  understand  "what  he  refers  to." 

"  I  refer  to  your  attempt  to  throw  him  overboard." 

"  Does  he  say  that  ?  "  asked  the  professor  in  pre- 
tended amazement. 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  he  has  told  an  outrageous  falsehood.  "No 
such  thing  ever  took  place.  He  is  the  worst  boy  I 
ever  met." 

"  When  you  were  here  before  you  spoke  very  dif- 
ferently of  him.  You  said  he  was  a  very  attractive 
boy,  and  you  referred  to  his  attachment  to  you.  You 
said  he  shed  tears  at  parting  from  you." 

Bernard  burst  into  a  fit  of  laughter,  which  only  ag- 
gravated his  old  guardian  the  more. 

"  He  didn't  deserve  it.    I  spoke  of  him  as  well  as 


220  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

I  could,  because  I  did  not  want  to  hurt  his  reputa- 
tion." 

"  Professor  Puffer,"  said  Walter  Cunningham,  in 
a  tone  of  disgust,  "  I  am  busj  this  morning,  and  I 
will  not  detain  you  any  longer." 

"  I  will  go,"  responded  the  professor,  "  but  not 
alone.    Bernard  Brooks,  come  with  me !  " 

"  I  decline,"  said  Bernard. 

"  Then  I  will  have  recourse  to  the  law." 

"  So  will  I,"  retorted  Bernard. 

"  Xo  one  will  believe  your  preposterous  charge,  if 
that  is  what  you  refer  to.    You  have  no  proof." 

"  There  you  are  mistaken.  I  have  the  affidavit  of 
Jack  Staples,  seaman  on  the  Vesta,  who  saved  me 
from  your  murderous  attack." 

Puffer  turned  pale.  Wliat  Bernard  said  surprised 
him  very  much,  and  he  saw  at  once  that  such  a  docu- 
ment would  mean  danger  to  bim. 

"  If  you  want  to  invoke  the  law,  Professor  Puffer, 
you  can  do  so,"  said  Mr.  Cunningham. 

Puffer  was  discreetly  silent.  He  seized  his  hat  and 
left  the  room  without  bidding  farewell  to  Bernard  or 
Walter  Cunningham. 

"  Your  friend  has  gone,  Bernard,"  said  Cunning- 
ham. "  I  venture  to  say  that  he  won't  come  back. 
It  is  certainly  a  droll  circumstance  that  you  and  he 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  ONCE  MORE.  221 

should  have  applied  for  the  same  situation  and  that 
he  was  refused." 

"  You  may  repent  of  your  choice,  Walter." 

"  When  I  do  I  will  tell  you.  And  now,  Bernard, 
I  have  brought  you  something." 

As  he  spoke  he  drew  from  his  pocket  a  handsome 
gold  watch  and  chain. 

"  I  observed  that  you  had  no  watch,"  he  said,  "  and 
I  resolved  to  supply  the  deficiency." 

"  How  can  I  thank  you,  Walter  ?  "  exclaimed  Ber- 
nard in  joyful  excitement.  "  Of  all  things  it  ia  the 
one  I  most  desired." 

"  You  will  find  it  a  good  one.  In  such  an  article 
as  a  watch,  a  cheap  one  is  not  desirable.  Here  is 
one  which  you  can  keep  all  your  life." 

Before  leaving  London  Bernard  wrote  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  his  friend  Barclay : 

"  Deae  ISTxiT :  You  may  be  desirous  of  hearing 
from  me.  I  have  not  time  to  go  into  details.  I  will 
say,  however,  that  my  Xew  York  guardian  is  no 
fTiend  of  mine,  but  as  well  as  I  can  make  out,  a 
dangerous  enemy.  He  sent  me  to  England  in  charge 
of  a  man  named  Puffer — he  calls  himself  Professor 
Puffer — who  tried  to  throw  me  overboard  one  dark 
night.  I  escaped  from  him  after  reaching  London 
and  secured  a  very  advantageous  situation  as  travel- 


222  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

ing  companion  to  a  wealthy  young  man  named  Walter 
Cunningham.  We  start  next  week  for  Italy,  and  I 
am  very  busy  making  preparations.  I  will  write  you 
from  Italy. 

"  Do  you  ever  see  my  dear  friend  Septimus,  and  is 
he  as  sweet  and  amiable  as  ever?     I  didn't  like  his 
father,  but  I  prefer  him  to  Professor  Puffer. 
"  Your  sincere  friend, 

"  Bbbnakd  Bkooks." 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


A  CITIZEN  OF  NEBRASKA. 


Three  months  later  Bernard  and  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham were  domiciled  in  the  Hotel  Constance  in  Rome. 
They  had  taken  a  leisurely  course  from  London,  stay- 
ing three  weeks  in  Paris,  visiting  the  interior  of 
Prance,  and  spending  some  weeks  in  Switzerland 
and  northern  Italy.  They  had  now  been  two  weeks 
in  Rome,  and  used  the  time  to  good  advantage  in 
visiting  the  art  galleries  and  the  ruins  of  the  ancient 
city. 

Bernard  had  enjoyed  everything,  and  had  man- 
aged to  pick  up  some  conversational  Italian.  To 
some  extent  he  had  acted  as  courier  for  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham, who  had  always  been  accustomed  to  have  things 
done  for  him.  He  found  Bernard  especially  useful, 
as  he  had  dismissed  his  servant  at  Milan.  The  latter 
was  a  stiff-necked  Englishman,  and  was  continually 
getting  into  trouble  from  his  inability  to  adapt  him- 
self to  foreigners  and  foreign  ways. 

"  Are  you  ready  to  leave  Rome,  Bernard  ?  "  asked 
Walter  Cunningham. 

223 


224  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Whenever  you  are,"  answered  Bernard  promptly. 

"  Of  course  we  have  not  seen  all  or  even  a  small 
part  of  the  things  worth  seeing,  but  I  am  tired  of 
sightseeing.  I  have  thought  that  an  independent  ex- 
cursion in  our  own  carriage,  not  following  any  pre- 
scribed course,  but  halting  where  the  fancy  seizes  us, 
would  be  enjoyable." 

"  I  should  like  nothing  better,"  said  Bernard  en- 
thusiastically. "  In  what  direction  do  you  propose 
to  go  ?  " 

"  In  the  general  direction  of  I^aples." 

"  I  am  told  by  an  American,  who  is  a  guest  at  this 
hotel,  that  there  are  several  routes." 

"  That  is  true.  I  have  decided  to  go  by  way  of 
Prosinone,  San  Germano,  and  Capua.  The  route  is 
said  to  be  very  interesting.  I  wish  you  would  look 
up  a  vetturino  and  arrange  to  hire  him  by  the  day. 
Then  we  shall  be  able  to  pursue  an  independent 
course." 

"  I  will  do  so,  Walter.  Have  you  any  instructions 
as  to  the  price  ?  " 

"  'No ;  you  know  from  the  short  excursions  we 
have  made  what  is  fair  and  moderate.  You  may  as 
well  select  a  vettura  that  is  roomy  and  large  enough 
to  accommodate  four  persons.  We  don't  want  to  be 
cramped,  for  that  will  interfere  with  our  enjoyment." 

"  And  when  do  you  wish  to  start  ?  " 


A  CITIZEN  OF  NEBRASKA.  226 

*'  To-morrow  morning,  say  at  eleven  o'clock." 

"  Very  well.     I  will  attend  to  it." 

"  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  have  you  with  me,  Ber- 
nard. You  take  a  great  deal  of  trouble  off  my 
hands." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  that.  Think  how  I 
would  be  situated  if  you  had  not  taken  me  up." 

"  I  have  been  well  repaid  for  doing  so." 

Bernard  engaged  a  vettura,  a  traveling  carriage, 
designed  for  four  persons,  and  in  an  hour  it  made 
its  appearance.  The  vetturino,  as  the  driver  is  called, 
was  a  lithe,  slender,  dark-complexioned  man  who 
answered  to  the  name  of  Pasquale.  What  his  last 
name  was  Bernard  did  not  inquire,  as  it  was  suffi- 
cient to  have  a  single  name  to  call  him  by. 

"How  long  will  the  signer  want  the  vettura f* 
asked  the  driver. 

"  I  do  not  know.    We  will  hire  it  by  the  day." 

"  And  where  will  the  signer  wish  to  go  ?  " 

"  To  l^Taples,  by  way  of  Valmontone  and  Frosi- 
none.    Do  you  know  the  route  ?  " 

"  Si,  signor,  most  assuredly." 

Bernard  and  Mr.  Cunningham  seated  themselves 
in  the  carriage,  and  they  started.  They  left  Home 
by  the  Porta  Maggiore,  their  course  being  through 
the  Campagna,  the  dreary  and  unwholesome  tract  in 
the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Kome.  There  was 
15 


226  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

very  little  to  see  in  the  first  day's  journey  except  a 
ruined  aqueduct,  which  detained  them  but  a  short 
time,  and  they  pushed  on  to  Valmontone,  where  they 
arranged  to  stop  over  night.  The  inn  was  far  from 
satisfactory,  and  they  were  not  tempted  to  prolong 
their  stay. 

In  the  evening,  as  they  sat  on  a  bench  outside  the 
inn,  a  man  of  about  fifty,  wearing  a  tall  white  hat, 
with  an  unmistakable  American  look,  walked  up  to 
them  and  removing  his  hat  said :  "  Gentlemen,  I'm 
glad  to  see  you.  Allow  me  to  introduce  myself.  My 
name  is  Amos  Sanderson,  and  I  live  about  ten  miles 
from  Omaha  when  I'm  at  home." 

"  I  am  glad  to  make  your  acquaintance,  Mr.  San- 
derson," said  Cunningham  politely.  "  I  am  Walter 
Cunningham,  from  London." 

"  You  don't  mean  to  say  you're  an  Englishman," 
said  Sanderson,  in  surprise.  "  You  look  like  an 
American." 

"  Doubtless  that  is  meant  as  a  compliment,"  said 
Cunningham,  smiling. 

"  Well,  I  never  heard  any  one  take  offense  at  be- 
ing taken  for  an  American." 

''  True.  I  have  been  in  America,  and  I  understand 
why  it  is  that  you  Americans  are  proud  of  your  coun- 
try. However,  if  I  am  not  an  American,  my  young 
friend  here,  Bernard  Brooks,  is  an  American  boy." 


A  CITIZEN  OF  NEBRASKA.  227 

"I  am  glad  to  meet  a  fellow  countryman,  Mr, 
Sanderson,"  remarked  Bernard,  smiling. 

"  Well,  well,  it  does  seem  real  good  to  meet  an 
American  boy,"  said  Mr.  Sanderson,  his  face  light- 
ing up.  "  Shake,  Bernard,  my  boy !  "  and  he  ex- 
tended a  muscular  hand,  which  Bernard  shook  cor- 
dially. 

"  Are  you  staying  at  this  hotel,  Mr.  Sanderson  ? " 
asked  Walter  Cunningham. 

"  Don't  call  it  a  hotel !  It  doesn't  deserve  the 
name.  Call  it  a  tavern.  It's  a  regular  one  horse 
place." 

"  Then  I  am  glad  we  are  only  going  to  stop  one 
night." 

"  I  have  been  here  a  day  and  a  half,  and  it's  the 
longest  day  and  a  half  I  ever  passed," 

"  Why  did  you  stay  if  you  didn't  like  it  ?  " 

"  I'll  tell  you  why.  I  came  here  in  a  small  veitura, 
and  I  had  a  quarrel  with  the  vetturino,  who  tried  to 
cheat.  So  I  sent  him  off,  and  was  glad  to  get  rid  of 
him,  for  a  man  with  a  more  villainous  countenance 
I  never  saw.  I  haven't  been  able  to  get  another  car- 
riage, so  here  I  am.     How  did  you  come  ?  " 

"  By  a  vettura.  We  are  making  the  journey  in  a 
leisurely  way,  going  as  far  or  as  short  a  distance 
daily  as  we  choose." 

"  Where  are  you  going  ?  " 


228  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  To  Naples." 

"  So  am  I.    Is  your  vettura  a  large  one  ?  " 

"  Large  enough  to  hold  four  persons.  We  like 
plenty  of  room." 

"  Then  I'll  make  you  a  proposition.  Here  I  am 
alone — shipwrecked,  as  it  were,  on  land.  If  you  will 
let  me  join  your  party  I'll  pay  my  share  of  the  ex- 
pense. In  fact,  I  don't  mind  paying  more,  for  I 
ain't  mean,  though  I  do  hate  to  be  imposed  upon. 
Come  now,  what  do  you  say  ?  " 

Walter  Cunningham  was  rather  startled  by  this 
unexpected  proposal  from  an  utter  stranger.  It 
jarred  somewhat  against  his  British  exclusiveness. 
Still,  there  was  something  attractive  in  the  American, 
rough  and  unpolished  as  he  was  in  his  manners,  and 
Cunningham  felt  that  he  would  amuse  and  interest 
them.  As  far  as  honesty  went  it  would  be  impossi- 
ble to  suspect  Mr.  Sanderson.  Besides,  he  looked 
like  a  man  of  substance  and  not  like  an  adventurer. 
Walter  Cunningham  glanced  towards  Bernard,  and 
thought  he  read  in  the  boy's  face  a  desire  that  the 
American's  proposal  should  be  accepted. 

"  I  hardly  know  what  to  say,"  he  replied  after  a 
pause.  "  We  do  not  in  general  care  for  the  compan- 
ionship of  others,  and  I  can  hardly  be  said  to  have 
much  knowledge  of  you — our  acquaintance  being  of 
the  briefest." 


A  CITIZEN  OF  NEBRASKA.  229 

"  About  ten  minutes,"  said  Mr.  Sanderson. 
"  That's  true,  and  I'm  afraid  it's  cheeky  in  me  to 
ask  you  to  take  me,  but  I  feel  sort  of  drawn  to  you 
both,  particularly  to  my  young  countryman,  Ber- 
nard." 

"  Say  no  more,  Mr.  Sanderson.  We'll  take  you 
with  us  as  far  as  Capua,  at  any  rate.  There,  as  it  is 
a  large  and  well  known  place,  you  will  have  no  diffi- 
culty in  making  other  arrangements." 

"  Thank  you,  squire.  You're  a  gentleman.  You'll 
find  Amos  Sanderson  a  true  friend,  that'll  stand  by 
you  through  thick  and  thin.  If  we  are  attacked  by 
bandits,  he  won't  run  away  and  leave  you  in  the 
lurch." 

"  Bandits  ?  Surely  there  is  no  danger  of  meeting 
any  of  them  ?  " 

"  Well,  squire,  I  wish  there  wasn't,  but  I  don't  feel 
certain.  Only  last  week  a  couple  of  gentlemen  were 
overhauled,  and  had  to  pay  a  good  stiff  sum  to  get 
away." 

"  I  supposed  the  bandits  had  all  been  driven  out 
of  the  country." 

"  That's  where  you  are  mistaken.  There's  people 
everywhere  that  find  it  easier  and  more  agreeable  to 
make  money  by  taking  it  than  by  earning  it,  and  I 
guess  Italy  has  her  fair  share  of  such  gentry.  I'll 
tell  you  a  little  secret.     I  quarreled  with  my  veWji- 


230  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

rino  on  purpose.  His  face  was  a  villainous  one,  and 
I  shouldn't  be  at  all  surprised  if  he  were  in  league 
with  some  of  the  bandits." 

"  I  have  heard  of  such  things." 

"  Some  of  these  vetturinos  "  (Mr.  Sanderson  was 
not  aware  that  he  should  have  said  vetturini)  "  have 
brothers  or  cousins  among  the  bandits  and  play  into 
their  hands.    I  guess  mine  was  one  of  that  kind." 

"  Our  vetturino  Pasquale  seems  to  be  an  honest 
sort  of  fellow.  I  should  not  suspect  him  of  leading 
ua  into  a  trap." 


CHAPTEE  XXVIII. 

ITALY    SEEN    TIIKOUGH   AMERICAN   SPECTACLES. 

Still,  Mr.  Cunningham  reflected  that  in  case  of 
an  attack  it  would  be  convenient  to  have  such  an  ad- 
dition to  his  party  as  the  American,  for  Amos  Sander- 
son seemed  like  a  brave  man,  who  would  have  his  wits 
about  him  and  might  render  valuable  assistance. 

"  Are  you  traveling  on  business,  Mr.  Sanderson  ?  " 
asked  Bernard. 

"  ISTo ;  I've  been  pretty  lucky,  and  put  by'  a  con- 
siderable pile,  and  my  friends  told  me  I  ought  to 
see  Europe.     So  I  left  my  business  in  the  hands  of 
my  brother,  and  came  over  last  March." 
5^  .  "  Are  you  enjoying  it  ?  " 

"  Well,  middling  well !  I  can't  get  used  to  their 
cookery.  Why,  I  haven't  seen  a  doughnut  or  eaten 
a  plate  of  pork  and  beans  since  I  left  America." 

"  I  never  ate  a  doughnut  in  my  life,"  said  Walter 
Cunningham. 

"  Then  you've  missed  a  great  deal.  I  reckon  Ber- 
nard knows  how  they  taste." 

"  Oh,  I  have  eaten  a  great  many." 

"  The  fact  is,  there's  no  country  where  you  can  get 
231 


232  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

such  good  living  as  in  America,"  said  Amos  Sander- 
son, with  patriotic  complacency. 

Mr.  Cunningham  smiled,  but  did  not  dispute  the 
statement.  It  is  doubtful,  however,  whether  he  would 
have  agreed  with  the  man  from  Nebraska. 

j\Ir.  Cunningham  was  not  sorry  that  he  had  per- 
mitted Amos  Sanderson  to  join  his  party.  The 
American  was  singularly  ignorant  as  regards  the 
antiquities  of  Italy,  but  he  had  a  shrewd  common 
sense,  and  his  quaint  remarks  were  unintentionally 
humorous.  He  always  spoke  from  the  point  of  view 
of  a  Western  American. 

Scattered  along  the  route,  or  a  little  distance  from 
it,  were  the  ruins  of  ancient  or  medieval  buildings, 
churches,  temples,  monasteries,  and  other  edifices. 
Many  of  these  had  historical  associations.  These 
were  quite  unknown  to  Mr.  Sanderson,  and  even 
where  they  were  explained  to  him  he  was  not  much 
interested. 

"  It  isn't  creditable  to  Italy,"  he  said  one  day,  "  to 
have  so  many  ruined  buildings.  They'd  ought  to  be 
repaired  when  they're  worth  it,  and  when  they're  not 
the  best  way  would  be  to  pull  'em  down." 

"  But,  my  dear  sir,"  said  Walter  Cunningham, 
"  it  would  be  a  great  loss  to  Italy  if  your  advice  were 
followed.  Most  travelers  come  here  on  purpose  to  see 
the  ruins." 


ITALY  SEEN  THROUGH  AMERICAN  SPECTACLES.  233 

"  Then  I  don't  admire  their  taste." 

"  And  naturally  they  bring  a  great  deal  of  money 
into  Italy.  If  the  ruins  were  repaired  or  pulled 
down  they  wouldn't  come,  and  the  people  would  lose 
a  good  deal  of  their  income." 

"  That's  practical.  That's  what  I  understand. 
But  it  seems  foolish,  after  all.  When  Chicago  burned 
down,  a  number  of  years  ago,  suppose  they  kept  the 
ruins  instead  of  building  up  again,  everybody  would 
have  laughed  at  them." 

"  There  were  no  associations  connected  with  the 
burned  buildings  of  Chicago." 

"  What's  associations,  any  way  ?  They  won't  pay 
your  butcher's  bill." 

"  Surely,  Mr.  Sanderson,  if  you  could  see  the  house 
once  occupied  by  Julius  Caesar,  for  instance,  you 
would  be  interested  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  would.  Caesar's  dead  and 
gone,  and  I  don't  believe  any  way  that  he  was  as  great 
a  man  as  General  Jackson." 

"  I  see,  Mr.  Sanderson,  you  are  hopelessly  practi- 
cal." 

"^  Yes,  I'm  practical,  and  I'm  proud  of  it.  There's 
some  folks  that  can  write  poetry,  and  leave  thei-r 
families  to  starve,  because  they  can't  earn  an  honest 
penny.  Why,  I  knew  a  man  once  named  John  L. 
Simpkins  that  could  write  poetry  by  the  yard.     He 


234     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

often  writ  poems  for  the  Omaha  papers,  and  never 
got  a  red  cent  for  it.  His  folks  had  to  support  him, 
though  he  was  strong  and  able  to  work." 

"  I  shouldn't  have  much  respect  for  a  poet  like 
that." 

"  l^or  I.  He  had  a  brother,  Ephraim  Simpkins, 
that  kept  a  grocery  store,  and  was  forehanded.  John 
fell  in  love  with  a  girl  and  used  to  write  poetry  to 
her.  Everybody  thought  she'd  marry  him.  But 
when  she  found  that  he  didn't  earn  more'n  three  dol- 
lars a  week  she  up  and  married  his  brother,  the 
grocer,  and  that  showed  her  to  be  a  girl  of  sense." 

When  the  travelers  reached  Ceprano,  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham suggested  making  an  excursion  to  Isota  and  Ar- 
pino. 

"  x\t  Isota,"  he  said,  "  we  shall  see  the  falls  of  the 
Liris,  and  at  Arpino  we  shall  see  the  site  of  Cicero's 
villa." 

"  Who  was  Cicero  ?  "  asked  Amos  Sanderson. 

"  Surely  you  must  have  heard  of  Cicero  ?  "  said 
Walter  Cunningham,  in  surprise. 

"  Well,  mebbe  I  have.    What  did  he  do  ?  " 

"  He  was  a  great  orator." 

"  Did  he  go  to  Congress  ?  " 

"  There  was  no  Congress  in  Rome.  However,  he 
was  a  consul — that  is,  one  of  the  two  rulers  or  presi- 
dents of  Eome." 


ITALY  SEEN  THROUGH  AMERICAN  SPECTACLES.  235 

"  I'll  bet  he  couldn't  talk  as  well  as  Joseph  L, 
Higgins,  of  Omaha.  Why,  that  man  can  get  up  in 
a  meeting  and  talk  you  deaf,  dumb,  and  blind.  The 
words  will  flow  like  a  cataract." 

"  I  don't  think  Cicero  could  talk  like  that,"  said 
Bernard,  smiling,  "  but  I  have  read  some  of  his 
orations,  and  they  were  very  eloquent." 

"  I'd  like  to  match  Joseph  L.  Higgins  against 
him.  I'd  like  to  hear  a  specimen  of  Cicero's  speeches 
and  judge  for  myself." 

"  Here  is  a  specimen,"  said  Bernard — ■"  the  begin- 
ning of  his  speech  against  Catiline:  '  Quousque  tan- 
dem abutere  Catilina  patientia  nostra.'  " 

"  Why,  that's  nothing  but  gibberish,"  said  Amos, 
in  great  disgust.  "  If  Joseph  L.  Higgins  should  talk 
like  that  the  people  would  fire  bad  eggs  at  him." 

"  I  hope  you  don't  object  to  visiting  Cicero's  villa, 
Mr.  Sanderson  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no,  I'm  ready  to  go  wherever  you  and  Ber- 
nard do.  I  suppose  I  must  do  the  same  as  other  peo- 
ple." 

"  Your  minister  at  home  will  be  very  much  in- 
terested when  you  tell  him  you  have  visited  the  house 
where  Cicero  lived." 

"  Do  you  think  he  ever  heard  of  Cicero  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes,  all  educated  men  have  heard  of  him." 


236  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Then,  I'll  take  particular  notice  of  it,  and  de- 
scribe it  to  him." 

When  they  reached  Cicero's  villa,  however,  Mr. 
Sanderson  was  not  favorably  impressed  by  it. 

"  For  a  president  of  Rome,"  he  said,  "  Cicero 
didn't  live  very  well.  Why,  for  twenty-five  dollars 
month  he  could  get  a  house  in  Omaha  with  all  the 
modern  conveniences  that  would  beat  this  by  a  long 
shot." 

"  They  didn't  have  modern  conveniences  at  that 
time,  Mr.  Sanderson." 

"  Then,  I'm  glad  I  didn't  live  in  them  days.  Give 
me  the  solid  comfort  of  an  Omaha  house  rather  than 
all  these  marble  pillars  and  ancient  fandangos." 

"  I  am  inclined  to  agree  with  you  there,  Mr.  San- 
derson," said  the  young  Englishman,  laughing.  "  I 
enjoy  seeing  the  remains  of  ancient  edifices,  but  I 
think  myself  I  should  rather  live  in  a  nice  English 
or  American  house." 

"  From  all  I  can  see,"  continued  the  American, 
"  I'd  rather  be  an  alderman  in  Omaha  than  the  big- 
gest man  in  old  Rome.    Did  they  speak  English  ?  " 

"  No ;  English  was  not  known." 

"  How  did  they  talk,  then  ?  " 

"  You  haven't  forgotten  the  few  words  Bernard 
recited  from  one  of  Cicero's  orations  ?  " 


;  ITALY  SEEN  THROUGH  AMERICAN  SPECTACLES.  237 

"  That  was  Latin,  the  language  that  was  spoken  at 
that  time." 

"  It's  the  most  foolish  kind  of  gibberish  I  ever 
heard.    There  ain't  no  language  like  English." 

"  I  prefer  it  myself  to  any  other." 

"  I  should  say  so.  I  heard  two  Frenchmen  jabber- 
ing the  other  day,  shrugging  their  shoulders  and 
waving  their  arms  like  windmills.  It  seemed  awfully 
foolish." 

"  They  think  their  language  much  finer  than  Eng- 
lish." 

"  Then,  they  must  be  fools,"  said  Amos  Sanderson 
scornfully.  "  Why,  it  made  me  think  of  monkeys,  by 
hokey,  it  did  !  " 

"  Where  did  you  receive  your  education,  Mr.  San- 
derson ? "  asked  Cunningham  curiously. 

"  I  went  to  a  deestrict  school  till  I  was  eleven. 
Then  my  father  died,  and  I  had  to  hustle.  Didn't 
have  any  time  to  study  after  that." 

"  That's  the  way  most  of  your  great  men  began, 
Mr.  Sanderson." 

"  I  expect  they  did.  Education  isn't  everything. 
Why,  the  boy  that  stood  at  the  head  of  my  class  is  a 
clerk  at  fifteen  dollars  a  week,  while  I  have  an  in- 
come of  fifteen  thousand.  He's  got  a  lot  of  book 
knowledge,  but  it  hasn't  done  him  much  good." 

This  conversation  will  give  some  idea  of  the  Amer- 


238  BERNAED  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

lean's  peculiar  ways  of  regarding  everything  foreign 
to  his  own  experience.  He  could  not  like  the  Italian 
ruins,  and  this  was  not  surprising.  The  inns  on  the 
route  which  they  had  selected  were  uncommonly  poor, 
and  the  cookery  was  such  as  might  have  been  expected 
from  the  comfortless  surroundings. 

One  morning,  however,  Bernard  and  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham were  agreeably  surprised  by  an  excellent 
dish  of  ham  and  eggs. 

"  Eeally,"  said  Cunningham.  "  This  seems  some- 
thing like  what  we  get  in  England." 

"  Or  in  America,"  suggested  Amos. 

"  Yes,  or  in  America." 

"  They  must  have  an  unusually  good  cook  in  this 
inn." 

"  Thank  you,  squire,"  said  Sanderson,  who  seemed 
very  much  amused  at  something.  "  You  do  me 
proud." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  mean  that  I  cooked  the  breakfast." 

"  You !  "  exclaimed  Cunningham  and  Bernard,  in 
concert. 

"  Yes ;  I  went  out  into  the  kitchen  and  scraped  ac- 
quaintance with  one  of  the  understrappers  who  knows 
a  little  English,  and  I  offered  a  piaster  for  the  priv- 
ilege of  cooking  the  ham  and  eggs.     They  accepted 


ITALY  SEEN  THROUGH  AMERICAN  SPECTACLES.  239 

the  offer,  and  gave  me  what  I  needed.  So  here  you 
see  the  result." 

"'  We  missed  you  during  the  last  half  hour,  but  had 
no  idea  you  were  getting  our  breakfast  Really,  Mr. 
Sanderson,  you  have  quite  a  genius  for  cookery." 

"  I  guess  I  could  make  a  good  living  as  a  cook  if 
I  had  to.  Any  way,  if  I  couldn't  cook  better  than 
them  furriners  I'd  be  ashamed  of  myself." 

''  I  hope  this  isn't  the  last  time  we  are  indebted  to 
your  skill." 

"  Well,  I  don't  think  I'd  be  willing  to  do  it  regu- 
lar.    It  would  be  too  much  like  work." 

Apart  from  the  poor  hotels  the  travelers  enjoyedi 
their  leisurely  journey.  Sometimes  they  proceeded 
only  fifteen  miles  a  day.  The  trip  was  pleasant,  but 
not  exciting.    The  excitement  was  to  come. 


CHAPTEE  XXIX. 


CAPTURED  BY  BANDITTI. 


Though  on  joining  the  party  Amos  Sanderson 
had  spoken  of  the  possibility  of  encountering  banditti, 
his  companions  had  scarcely  given  a  thought  to  the 
subject  since.  In  the  scenes  of  beauty  through  which 
they  were  passing  such  a  possibility  seemed  incon- 
gruous, and  no  apprehension  was  felt.  But  danger 
there  was,  notwithstanding. 

They  had  spent  the  night  at  a  wretched  inn  in  the 
town  of  Melfa,  and  proceeding  on  their  way,  passed 
on  the  left  the  picturesque  town  of  Kocca  Secca. 
About  a  mile  beyond  they  were  startled  by  the  sud- 
den appearance  of  three  dark  and  swarthy  Italians, 
who,  darting  from  a  clump  of  bushes  at  the  wayside, 
seized  one  of  the  horses  by  the  bridle,  and  pointing 
pistols  at  the  party,  called  out  in  English  in  a  men- 
acing tone,  "  Money !  " 

"  Well,  I'll  be  jiggered,*'  exclaimed  the  American, 
"  here's  the  banditti  sure  enough  !  " 

Walter  Cunningham  looked  troubled.  It  was  a 
very  disagreeable  interruption. 

"  Look  here,  gentlemen  bandits,"  said  Amos,  "  we 
240 


CAPTURED  BY  BANDITTI.  241 

haven't  any  money  to  spare.  We  are  only  poor  trav- 
elers. You  have  made  a  mistake.  There's  some  rich 
gentlemen  on  the  road  who  will  be  here  about  this 
time  to-morrow.    You'd  better  wait  for  them." 

Of  course  all  this  was  thrown  away  upon  the 
Italians,  who  did  not  understand  English,  and 
frowned  impatiently  while  Mr.  Sanderson  was  speak- 
ing. 

"  Give  up  your  money,  and  that  at  once,"  said  the 
foremost  of  the  banditti. 

He  spoke  in  Italian,  but  Bernard,  who  had  picked 
up  some  familiar  phrases,  understood  and  inter- 
preted. 

"  Eeally  this  is  very  disagreeable,"  said  Cunning- 
ham. 

"  I  wish  they  understood  English.  I'd  argy  a  lit- 
tle with  them,"  added  the  American. 

"  I  am  afraid  it  wouldn't  do  much  good,  Mr.  San- 
derson," said  Bernard.  "  They  would  probably 
shoot  you  for  an  answer." 

The  party  looked  undecided.  By  way  of  hastening 
a  decision  one  of  the  bandits  came  up  to  the  door  of 
the  carriage,  and  holding  his  pistol  in  one  hand,  held 
out  his  hat  in  the  other. 

"  I  suppose  we  must  surrender  at  discretion,"  said 
the  young  Englishman.    "  They  won't  make  much  of 
a  haul  in  my  case.'* 
16 


242     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Nor  in  mine,"  added  Sanderson.  "  I  have  about 
enough  money  to  last  me  as  far  as  Naples,  where  I  in- 
tend to  call  on  my  banker." 

"  We  had  better  give  up  what  we  have.  It  won't 
ruin  us." 

The  American,  who  was  pugnacious  and  liked  to 
argue,  yielded  unwillingly.  He  and  his  companions 
emptied  their  pockets,  and  passed  the  contents  over 
to  the  black-bearded  fellow  who  acted  as  collector. 
He  looked  at  the  sum  and  frowned  fiercely  as  he 
turned  to  his  companions  and  spoke  a  few  words  to 
them. 

"  What  does  he  say  ?  "  asked  Amos  Sanderson. 

"  I  don't  understand,"  said  Bernard.  "  He  talks 
too  fast  for  me." 

Here  Pasquale  broke  into  the  conversation. 

"  He  says  it  isn't  enough,"  he  explained. 

"  But  it  is  all  we  have.     Tell  him  so." 

Pasquale  put  the  message  into  Italian,  and  com- 
municated it  to  his  countrymen. 

"  Well,  what  does  he  say  ?  "  asked  Walter  Cun- 
ningham. 

"  He  says  it  is  not  enough,  and  that  you  can  get 
more." 

"  Where  can  we  get  it  ?  " 

"  He  says  you  can  get  it  at  your  bankers'." 

"  Bring  the  bankers  along,  and  we  will  ask  them." 


CAPTURED  BY  BANDITTI.  243 

"  The  signer  will  only  anger  them,  and  that  will  be 
bad." 

"  How  much  in  the  name  of  wonder  do  they 
want  ?  " 

Pasquale  repeated  the  question. 

"  They  want  five  thousand  scudi  more,"  he  re- 
ported. 

"  How  much  is  a  scudi  ?  "  asked  the  American, 
turning  to  Cunningham. 

"  A  dollar." 

"  And  the  rascals  want  five  thousand  dollars  ? 
Jumping  Jehoshaphat,  haven't  they  got  cheek !  Why 
do  they  ask  so  much  of  three  poor  travelers  ?  " 

Pasquale  repeated  the  question,  and  received  an 
answer. 

"  They  say  you  are  not  poor,  that  one  of  you  is  a 
great  English  milord,  and  that  you  are  a  rich  Amer- 
ican." 

"  I'd  like  to  know  how  they  found  out  I  am  rich," 
said  Amos,  disgusted.  "  Have  Miey  seen  my  tax 
bill  ?  " 

"  They  say  all  Americans  are  rich." 

"  That's  where  they  make  a  big  mistake.  I  know 
plenty  of  men  in  Omaha  that  wouldn't  be  worth  a 
hundred  dollars  if  their  debts  were  paid.  As  to  my 
friend  here  being  a  rich  milord,  I  don't  know  but  he 


244     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

is.  I  am  not  a  milord  at  all,  but  only  a  plain  Amer- 
ican citizen." 

"  I  am  not  a  milord,"  said  Walter  Cnnninghan^, 
smiling.  "  However,  I  am  aware  that  in  Italy  every 
Englishman  who  has  money  enough  to  travel  is  sup- 
posed to  be  a  lord,  just  as  every  American  is  called 
rich." 

"  They  don't  say  anything  about  me,"  said  Ber- 
nard. "  I  wonder  whether  they  take  me  to  be  rich  or 
a  milord  ?  " 

"  They  don't  take  account  of  you  because  you  are 
a  boy.  They  think  you  are  related  to  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham or  myself." 

"  I  am  willing  to  be  overlooked." 

"  I  wonder  if  I  could  pass  myself  off  for  a  boy," 
said  the  American  humorously. 

"  Hardly.    You  have  lost  too  much  hair." 

"  The  gentlemen  are  getting  impatient,"  said  Pas- 
quale  warningly. 

"  Are  they  ?    Well,  I  guess  we  shall  take  our  time." 

"  It  will  not  be  well  to  provoke  them  needlessly,'* 
said  Walter  Cunningham.  "  You  may  tell  them  that 
we  cannot  give  them  five  thousand  scudi,"  he  added 
addressing  the  vetiurino. 

The  bandits  held  a  conference,  but  it  was  not  pro- 
longed. Evidently  they  were  incensed  at  the  con- 
tumacy of  their  victims. 


CAPTURED  BY  BANDITTI.  245 

'After  the  conference,  during  which  the  three  trav- 
elers were  very  anxious,  they  spoke  to  Pasquale,  who 
communicated  their  decision. 

"  They  say  you  must  either  make  arrangements  to 
pay  the  five  thousand  scudi,  or  go  with  them." 

"  Where  in  thunder  do  they  mean  to  carry  us,  Pas- 
quale ?  " 

"  I  don't  know.  They  would  not  tell  if  I  asked 
them." 

"  Tell  them  to  take  us  along,  then,"  said  Mr.  San- 
derson, leaning  back  in  his  seat  and  nodding  obsti- 
nately. 

Walter  Cunningham  seemed  to  acquiesce,  and  the 
answer  was  returned. 

Immediately  one  of  the  bandits  took  his  seat  beside 
the  vetturino  and  took  the  reins  from  him.  The  other 
two  walked  beside  the  carriage.  The  party  turned 
off  from  the  main  road,  and  entered  a  lane  leading  up 
the  hill  to  the  left. 

"  Well,  boys,  we're  in  for  it,  I  s'pose,"  said  Amos 
Sanderson.  "  It's  too  bad,  I  vow.  Such  things 
couldn't  be  done  in  America  under  the  Stars  and 
Stripes." 

"  Don't  robberies  ever  take  place  in  the  States  ?  " 
asked  Walter  Cunningham. 

"  Well,  perhaps  so,  but  these  fellows  have  not  only 
robbed  us  of  all  we  have,  but  are  carrying  us  off  be- 


246  BERNAED  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

cause  we  won't  give  them  more.  I'd  just  like  to 
wrestle  with  them  one  by  one.  If  I  didn't  throw 
them,  I'd  be  jiggered,  that's  all." 

''  I  don't  think  they  would  agree  to  any  such  plan. 
They  carry  pistols,  and  probably  knives.  They  are 
more  used  to  them  than  to  wrestling." 

"  No  doubt  you  are  right,  milord,"  said  Amos,  at 
which  Cunningham  laughed.  "  Where  do  you  think 
they're  going  to  carry  us  ?  " 

"  They  probably  have  some  secret  resort  somewhere 
among  these  hills.  We  shall  find  out  before  long. 
What  do  you  think  of  our  adventure,  Bernard  ?  " 

'^  I  wish  I  knew  how  it  was  going  to  turn  out,  Wal- 
ter," returned  Bernard  soberly. 

"  So  do  I,"  said  the  American.  "  I  shall  have  to 
have  a  good  think.  I  can't  think  unless  I  have  a 
smoke.     Will  you  have  a  cigar,  Cunningham  ?  " 

"  No,  thank  you." 

"  Or  you,  Bernard  ?  " 

"  'No,  but  it  might  be  a  good  idea  to  offer  cigars  to 
our  new  friends." 

"  That's  a  good  idea.    I'll  act  on  it." 

Mr.  Sanderson  took  out  a  cigar,  and,  lighting  it, 
put  it  in  his  mouth.  Next  he  selected  three  others, 
offering  the  first  to  the  man  who  sat  beside  the  vet- 
turino. 

"  Will  you  have  a  cigar,  my  friend  ?  "  he  said. 


CAPTURED  BY  BANDITTI.  247 

The  bandit  took  it,  and  said  politely,  "  Grazia, 
signor." 

"  What's  that  ?  " 

"  He  says  '  thank  you,'  "  returned  Bernard. 

The  other  bandits  accepted  the  cigars  graciously, 
and  were  evidently  more  favorably  inclined  to  the 
travelers  they  were  escorting. 

"  I  say,  Bernard,  we  look  like  a  friendly  family 
party,"  said  Amos,  who  was  amused  by  the  situation. 

The  new  driver  was  in  no  hurry.  He  drove  in  leis-- 
urely  fashion,  partly  because  their  way  ran  up  hill, 
partly  because  his  two  companions  were  obliged  to 
walk,  and  could  not  otherwise  keep  up. 

"  I  wish  I  knew  where  they  were  taking  us,"  said 
Amos  Sanderson. 

"  To  a  free  hotel,"  answered  Bernard. 

"  It'll  have  to  be  free,  for  they  haven't  left  us  any 
money  to  pay  for  that  or  anything  else." 

"  Their  hotel  can't  be  much  worse  than  the  one  we 
stopped  at  last  night  at  Melfa." 

"  I  wish  their  bill  might  not  be  any  larger,"  said 
Walter  Cunningham. 

The  cigars  were  smoked,  and  then  the  party  sub- 
sided into  silence.  Even  the  lively  American  realized 
that  they  were  in  a  difficult  and  perhaps  dangerous 
situation.  All  three  were  busy  with  their  own 
thoughts,  Bernard  was  anxious,  but  he  was  also  cur- 


248     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

ious,  and  excited.  He  remembered  to  have  read  a 
story  three  years  before  in  which  a  party  had  been 
surprised  by  banditti  somewhere  in  Sicily.  He  for- 
got how  the  story  ended.  When  he  read  it  he  cer- 
tainly was  very  far  from  thinking  that  some  time  a 
similar  adventure  would  happen  to  himself. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


IN  A  TRAP. 


They  proceeded  thus  for  a  short  distance,  when 
there  was  a  sudden  stop.  The  vetturino  was  ordered 
to  descend  from  the  driver's  seat,  and  he  and  the 
bandits  had  a  conference. 

Bernard  was  the  only  one  of  the  party  who  under- 
stood Italian  at  all,  and  he  failed  to  get  any  idea  from 
the  rapid  words  spoken  by  the  four  Italians.  What 
they  could  be  talking  about  not  one  of  the  party 
could  conjecture. 

At  length  the  conference  seemed  to  be  over.  One  of 
the  bandits  took  out  a  few  scudi  and  handed  them  to 
the  vetturino.  The  latter  looked  very  much  dissatis- 
5ed  and  had  the  appearance  of  one  who  was  making  a 
bad  bargain. 

Then  the  bandit  who  had  taken  the  lead  came  to  the 
door  of  the  carriage. 

"  Gentlemen,  you  will  descend,"  he  said. 

"What's  that?"  asked  the  American. 

"  He  says  we  are  to  get  out  of  the  carriage,"  inter- 
preted Bernard. 

"  What's  that  for,  I  wonder  ?  " 
249 


250     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Probably  we  shall  find  out  after  a  while." 

When  the  three  travelers  had  left  the  carriage  their 
traveling  bags  were  taken  from  the  vettura  and  placed 
in  their  hands. 

Then  Pasqnale  mounted  the  box  and  drove  away. 

*'  Where  are  you  going,  Pasquale  ?  "  asked  Walter 
Cunningham. 

"  I  am  obliged  to  go.  The  gentlemen  will  not 
allow  me  to  go  any  further." 

"  Will  you  inform  the  authorities  of  the  outrage 
that  has  been  perpetrated  ?  "  said  the  American. 

Pasquale  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  It  would  be  as  much  as  my  life  is  worth/'  he  re- 
plied. 

"  I  suppose,"  replied  Cunningham,  "  that  the  ban- 
dits are  unwilling  to  let  the  vetturino  know  their 
headquarters.     So  they  have  sent  him  away." 

"  I  believe  he  is  in  the  plot." 

"  I  don't  think  so.  He  seems  an  honest  sort  of 
fellow.  But  what  can  he  do  single  handed  ?  Should 
he  betray  these  men,  it  would,  as  he  says,  be  as  much 
as  his  life  is  worth." 

The  captives  did  not  particularly  enjoy  carrying 
their  baggage,  and  the  American  in  particular  grum- 
bled not  a  little,  but  there  seemed  no  help  for  it. 

They  ascended  a  rising  ground,  and  then  made  a 
descent  to  a  plain.     After  an  hour's  walking,  quite 


IN  A  TRAP.  251 

Spent  with  fatigue,  they  reached  a  large,  irr^ularly 
built  stone  house,  which  was  in  a  state  of  partial 
ruin.  It  was  very  old,  dating  back  probably  to  the 
middle  ages. 

"  I  wonder  whether  that  is  the  bandits'  retreat  f  '*^ 
said  Bernard. 

"  At  any  rate,  it  is  an  improvement  upon  the  hotel 
where  we  spent  last  night." 

The  question  was  s,oon  settled.  Through  a  door- 
way the  bandits  led  the  way  into  a  courtyard,  and' 
crossing  it,  one  of  them  took  out  a  huge  key  and 
opened  an  oaken  door. 

He  signed  to  the  captives  to  follow  him. 

They  did  so,  and  found  themselves  in  a  spacious; 
room  nearly  twenty-five  feet  square.  The  floor  was^ 
of  stone,  and  it  was  nearly  bare  of  furniture.  In  one- 
corner  there  was  a  heap  of  bedclothes.  Along  one' 
side  was  a  bench,  on  which  Amos  Sanderson  seated' 
himself  without  asking  permission. 

"  I  feel  about  ready  to  drop,"  he  said.  "  My  valise- 
is  as  heavy  as  yours  and  Bernard's  together." 

"  Have  you  a  dress  suit  ?  "  asked  Bernard,  laugh- 
ing. "  If  our  captors  should  give  a  ball  in  our  honor 
you  might  need  it." 

"  It  doesn't  seem  like  a  very  gay  place.  I  have 
never  been  in  jail,  but  this  room  carries  out  my  idea 
of  a  dungeon  cell." 


252     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

The  room  was  indeed  a  gloomy  one.  There  were 
windows,  it  is  true,  but  so  high  up  that  they  only  ad- 
mitted a  limited  amount  of  sunshine. 

"  Now,  how  long  are  they  going  to  keep  us  ?  That 
is  what  I  would  like  to  know;  and  what  object  have 
they  in  detaining  us  ?  " 

"  I  suppose,"  said  Cunningham,  "  they  will  keep 
us  till  they  get  the  five  thousand  scudi." 

"  Then  they'll  wait  a  long  time,  I  reckon." 

The  bandits  left  the  room,  taking  care  to  fasten  the 
door  on  the  outside. 

"  Boys,"  said  Amos  Sanderson,  "  I  don't  mind  ad- 
mitting that  I  have  never  been  more  hungry  in  the 
whole  course  of  my  life." 

Bernard  and  Walter  Cunningham  agreed  that  their 
feelings  harmonized  with  his. 

"  Suppose  we  order  dinner,"  said  Bernard  humor- 
ously. 

"  They  will  be  sure  to  feed  us,"  observed  Cunning- 
ham. "  They  won't  kill  the  goose  from  which  they 
expect  golden  eggs." 

He  proved  to  be  right.  In  a  short  time  the  door 
was  opened,  and  one  of  the  bandits  appeared,  bring- 
ing a  large  loaf  of  black  bread,  with  a  small  dish  of 
olives,  and  a  supply  of  macaroni.  A  quart  bottle  of 
sour  wine  completed  the  generous  collation. 

It  was  not  very  tempting.    It  was  worse  than  they 


IN  A  TRAP.  253 

had  fared  at  any  of  the  poor  inns  where  they  had 
lodged,  yet  Amos  Sanderson's  face  brightened  when 
he  saw  the  food,  and  he  did  full  justice  to  it. 

"  I  am  so  hungry  that  I  really  believe  I  could  eat 
shoe  leather,"  he  said. 

Bernard  and  Walter  Cunningham  also  ate  with 
zest. 

"  Now  I  suppose  they  will  bring  in  the  bill,"  said 
Amos  Sanderson  grimly. 

But  when  the  meal  was  over  they  were  left  to  them- 
selves for  a  time. 

"  Now  that  I  have  eaten  I  feel  sleepy,"  said  the 
American.  "  I  suppose  that  heap  of  rags  in  the  cor- 
ner is  meant  for  a  bed.    I  will  make  one." 

He  picked  up  a  narrow  mattress,  which  had  been 
rolled  up  before  it  was  laid  away,  and  spread  it  out 
on  the  floor.  Then  he  selected  a  quilt,  and,  stretch- 
ing himself  out,  spread  it  over  him. 

"  That  walk  with  my  valise  quite  tuckered  me  out," 
he  said.     "  Just  call  me  when  the  carriage  is  ready." 

Bernard  and  Walter  Cunningham  could  not  so 
readily  throw  off  the  burden  of  anxiety.  They  sat 
together  upon  the  bench  and  discussed  the  situation. 

"  We  are  in  a  bad  scrape,  Bernard,"  said  his 
friend,  "  and  I  have  led  you  into  it." 

"  I  think  we  will  get  out  of  it  after  a  while,"  said 
Bernard,  trying  to  be  cheerful. 


254:  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Yes ;  if  absolutely  necessary,  I  will  persuade  Mr. 
Sanderson  to  join  me  in  paying  the  ransom,  though 
I  should  hate  to  let  these  rascals  reap  the  reward  of 
their  knavery." 

They  were  served  with  supper  at  six  o'clock. 
Scarcely  was  this  over  when  the  three  bandits  en- 
tered the  room,  accompanied  by  a  man  of  thirty-five 
or  thereabouts,  who  looked  like  a  clerk  or  bookkeeper. 
It  was  soon  evident  that  he  was  present  as  an  in- 
terpreter. 

"  Gentlemen,"  he  said,  in  tolerable  English,  "  my 
friends  here,  who  are  not  acquainted  with  your  lan- 
guage, have  asked  me  to  act  as  interpreter.  They 
wish  to  confer  with  you  about  your  release." 

"  That's  the  talk,"  said  Amos  Sanderson,  with 
alacrity.    "  A  release  is  what  we  are  anxious  about." 

"  I  may  say  that  you  won't  have  to  stay  here  any 
longer  than  you  desire." 

"  Then  we'll  go  now,  and  thank  you  for  your  con- 
sideration." 

"  Upon  conditions." 

Walter  Cunningham  smiled.  He  quite  understood 
that  there  would  be  conditions. 

"  I  suppose  you  want  us  to  keep  your  secret,"  said 
the  American.    "  We'll  do  it." 

"  That  is  not  quite  all,"  replied  the  interpreter. 
"  My  friends  want  to  be  paid  for  their  trouble." 


IN  A  TRAP.  255 

"  They  needn't  have  taken  any  trouble.  We  didn't 
ask  them  to." 

The  interpreter  frowned  slightly.  He  began  to 
think  Mr.  Sanderson  "  too  fresh." 

"  You  talk  too  much,"  he  said  curtly.  "  They  have 
fixed  your  ransom  at  five  thousand  scudi.  That  is 
certainly  small  for  such  wealthy  and  illustrious  sig- 
nors." 

"  Look  here,  my  friend,  five  thousand  scudi  is  a 
great  deal  of  money." 

"  Not  for  millionaires." 

"  Who  said  we  were  millionaires  ?  " 

"  All  English  and  American  signors  are  rich." 

"  How  are  we  to  get  the  money  to  pay  you  ?  You, 
or  your  friends,  rather,  have  taken  all  we  have." 

"  You  can  get  some  from  your  bankers  in  ISTaples." 

"  You  seem  to  have  got  our  affairs  down  fine. 
Well,  let  us  go  to  ISTaples — you  can  go  with  us  if  you 
like — and  we'll,  see  whether  our  bankers  will  let  us 
have  the  money." 

"  The  signor  takes  us  for  fools." 

Here  Mr.  Cunningham  thought  it  time  to  interfere, 
«s  the  American  was  likely  to  anger  their  captors  and 
upset  all  negotiations. 

"  Even  if  we  have  money,"  he  said,  "  it  would 
probably  be  necessary  for  us  to  see  our  bankers.    They 


256     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

do  not  know  us,  and  might  not  give  the  money  to  a 
messenger." 

''  Just  what  I  said,"  put  in  Mr.  Sanderson. 

The  bandits  conferred  together,  and  then  the  inter- 
preter spoke  again. 

"  To  whom  does  the  boy  belong  ?  "  he  asked. 

''  To  me,"  answered  Walter  Cunningham. 

"  Is  he  known  to  jour  bankers  ?  " 

"  1^0.     He  has  never  been  in  !N^aples." 

"  Are  you  fond  of  him  ?  " 

"  Very  much  so." 

"  If  he  should  go  to  ^Naples  with  a  letter  from  you, 
could  he  get  the  money  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  sure." 

"  Then  I  am  not  sure  about  your  release." 

"  Mr,  Sanderson,  will  you  join  me  in  paying  the 
ransom  this  gentleman  has  mentioned  ?  " 

"  ]^o,  I'll  be  jiggered  if  I  will !  " 

"  Then  I  am  afraid  you  will  have  to  remain  here." 

"  If  you  will  pay  three  thousand  scudi  we  will  re- 
lease you  and  the  boy,"  said  the  interpreter. 

"  What,  and  leave  me  here  ?  "  exclaimed  the  Amer- 
ican. 

"  It  is  your  own  fault,  signor." 

After  considerable  conversation  a  plan  was  agreed 
upon,  in  which  Amos  Sanderson  unwillingly  ac- 
quiesced. 


CHAPTEK  XXXI. 

WALTER  Cunningham's  mission. 

It  was  decided  that  Cunningham  himself  should 
go  to  Kaples,  carrying  with  him  not  only  his  own  let- 
ter of  credit,  but  Amos  Sanderson's  as  well.  He  was 
to  draw  three  thousand  scudi  on  his  own  account,  and 
two  thousand  on  account  of  the  American,  and  come 
back  with  this  sum,  on  the  receipt  of  which  the  three 
would  be  released. 

"  If  you  don't  come  back,"  said  the  interpreter, 
"  this  gentleman  and  the  boy  will  have  to  take  a  long 
journey." 

"  Where  ?  "  asked  Amos  Sanderson,  with  some  cur- 
iosity. 

"  To  the  next  world,"  answered  the  interpreter 
grimly. 

"  Mr.  Cunningham,  you  will  not  fail  us  ? "  said 
Sanderson  nervously. 

''  You  may  rely  on  me.  What  do  you  take  me 
for?" 

"  I  thought  perhaps  when  you  found  yourself  at 
liberty  you  would  choose  to  remain  so.    You  have  no 
particular  interest  in  me." 
17  257 


258     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Even  if  that  were  so,  do  you  think  I  would  leave 
Bernard  exposed  to  danger  ?  " 

"  Enough  said.  I  am  sure  now  that  you  will  re- 
turn. But,"  continued  the  American,  who  was  in- 
clined to  be  suspicious,  "  perhaps  these  gentlemen, 
when  they  get  the  money,  will  keep  us  and  demand 
another  ransom." 

This  was  interpreted  to  the  bandits,  who  looked 
angry. 

"  Tell  the  signor,"  said  the  chief  proudly,  "  that 
we  are  men  of  honor.  When  we  give  our  word  we 
keep  it." 

"  I  have  heard  that  there  is  honor  among  thieves," 
muttered  Sanderson. 

"  What  does  he  say  ?  "  asked  the  chief  suspiciously. 

"  What  did  you  say,  signor  ?  "  inquired  the  inter- 
preter. 

"  I  said  that  you  looked  like  men  of  honor." 

"  That  is  well.    You  will  not  be  disappointed." 

In  half  an  hour  Walter  Cunningham  was  on  his 
way  to  Naples.  The  door  was  again  bolted  on  the 
outside,  and  Bernard  and  Amos  Sanderson  were  left 
to  their  reflections. 

"  This  ain't  exactly  cheerful,  Bernard,"  said  Amos. 
"  Here  we  are,  free  born  American  citizens,  locked 
up  as  if  we  were  criminals.    It  ain't  very  creditable 


WALTER  CUNNINGHAM'S  MISSION.  259 

to  any  country  to  have  such  things  going  on.  I'd  like 
to  have  a  short  interview  with  the  king  of  Italy." 

"  What  would  you  say  to  him  ?  " 

"  What  would  I  say  ?  I'd  give  him  a  piece  of  my 
mind.  I'd  tell  him  that  he  didn't  know  how  to 
govern." 

"  Probably  he  can't  stop  this  brigandage." 

"  Then  he  ought  to  resign,  and  let  somebody  fill 
his  place  that  could  stop  it.  Do  you  think  if  old  Gen- 
eral Jackson  were  king  that  he  would  let  these  rascals 
stop  and  plunder  travelers  ?  However,  the  time  will 
come  when  there  will  be  a  different  government." 

"  Do  you  think  so,  Mr.  Sanderson  ?  " 

"Yes,  I  do." 

"W^hen  will  that  be?" 

"  When  Italy  is  under  the  Stars  and  Stripes." 

Bernard  looked  surprised. 

"  Surely  you  don't  think  that  will  ever  happen  ? " 

"  I  am  sure  of  it,"  said  Amos  Sanderson,  in  a 
positive  tone.  "  It's  the  manifest  destiny  of  the 
United  States  to  annex  the  rest  of  the  world.  Within 
fifty  years  England  will  form  a  part  of  the  great 
American  republic." 

"  I  wonder  what  Mr.  Cunningham  would  say  to 
that?" 

"  He  would  deny  it,  it's  likely.  These  Britishers 
are  mighty  conceited." 


260     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

^'  Perhaps  he  would  think  it  more  likely  that  we 
should  belong  to  Great  Britain." 

"  iN'ever !  England  tried  to  conquer  us  twice,  and 
she  got  whipped  each  time." 

"  I  am  glad  of  one  thing,"  said  Bernard,  smiling. 

"  And  what  is  that  ?  " 

"  That  we  shan't  have  to  stay  here  till  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  float  over  Italy." 

"  I  don't  know  as  I  should  care  to  wait,  myself.  I 
don't  say  it  will  be  soon.  You  may  be  an  old  man 
before  it  happens.    But  it's  bound  to  come  some  day," 

"  I  wonder  how  soon  we  may  expect  Mr.  Cunning- 
ham back.  Do  you  know  how  long  it  will  take  to  go 
to  Naples  ?  " 

"  ISTo,  but  it  isn't  very  far.  Perhaps  we  shall  see 
him  back  in  three  days." 

"  I  don't  expect  him  so  soon.  He  will  have  to  see 
the  bankers." 

"  Look  here,  Bernard,"  said  the  American,  after  a 
pause,  "  I  have  been  thinking  that  we  might  find 
some  way  of  escape." 

Bernard  shook  his  head. 

"  What  good  would  it  do  ?  "  he  rejoined.  "  Mr. 
Cunningham  wouldn't  know  of  it,  and  he  would 
bring  the  money.  When  he  does  that  we  shall  be 
released  at  any  rate." 

Amos  Sanderson  was  impressed  by  this  considera- 


WALTER  CUNNINGHAM'S  MISSION.  261 

tion,  and  no  longer  allowed  his  mind  to  dwell  on 
plans  of  escape. 

Meals  were  served  to  the  captives  twice  a  day. 
This  was  probably  as  often  as  the  bandits  ate  them- 
selves, for  of  all  nations  Italians  are  perhaps  the  least 
fond  of  the  pleasures  of  the  table,  and  probably  eat 
scarcely  more  than  half  as  much  as  an  average  Eng- 
lishman or  American.  They  treated  their  captives 
as  well  as  themselves,  but  this  did  not  satisfy  Amos 
Sanderson,  who  from  his  boyhood  had  been  a  hearty 
eater. 

"  They  might  as  well  feed  us  on  bread  and  water 
and  be  done  with  it,"  he  said.  "  When  I  get  through 
eating  I  am  just  as  hungry  as  before.  It's  as  bad 
as  prison  fare." 

"  Well,  Mr.  Sanderson,  we  are  prisoners,  are  we 
not  ?  " 

"  But  not  convicts.  They  might  remember  that 
we  are  gentlemen." 

Bernard  was  not  as  much  disturbed  by  the  scanty 
fare  as  his  companion.  True,  he  would  have  liked 
more  abundant  meals,  but  he  had  patience  and  re- 
flected that  the  present  inconvenience  would  probably 
last  only  a  short  time.  ISFevertheless,  he  and  Amos 
Sanderson  counted  the  days,  and  every  morning  said 
to  each  other :  "  One  more  day  is  past.    It  won't  be 


262     JERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

long  before  Mr.  Cunningham  returns,  and  we  are  re- 
leased." 

"  If  he  does  come  back,"  suggested  Sanderson. 

"  Do  you  doubt  that  he  is  honorable  ?  "  asked  Ber- 
nard angrily. 

"  Well,  no ;  but  the  temptation  is  great.  If  he 
stays  away  he  will  be  five  thousand  scudi  in,  and 
be  his  own  master  besides," 

"  Would  you  yield  to  any  such  temptation  ?  " 

"  ISTo."     • 

"  Then  you  doubt  whether  he  is  as  honorable  as 
yourself  ? " 

"  Don't  get  riled,  Bernard.  I  can't  help  thinking 
how  much  depends  on  your  friend's  return." 

"  He  will  return.     You  needn't  be  afraid." 

But  when  the  sixth  morning  came,  and  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham was  still  absent,  even  Bernard  became  some- 
what anxious. 

"  Well,  he  isn't  here  yet,"  said  the  American  sig- 
nificantly. 

"  No." 

"  Do  you  still  have  confidence  in  him  ?  " 

«  Certainly." 

"  All  I  can  say,  then,  is  that  he  isn't  hurrying 
much.  Why,  it  isn't  far  to  Naples.  If  I  had  gone  I'll 
guarantee  I  would  have  been  back  within  three  days." 

Bernard  did  not  answer. 


WALTER  CUNNINGHAM'S  MISSION.  263 

"  I  notice  you  don't  look  so  chipper  as  you  did." 
"  !N"o.  I  have  just  as  much  confidence  in  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham, but  he  may  have  met  with  some  accident," 
"  Very  likely/'  said  Amos  Sanderson  sarcastically, 
"  Oi',  he  may  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  another 
gang  of  bandits  on  his  way  here." 

"  It  won't  be  very  lucky  for  us  if  he  has.  That's 
all  I've  got  to  say." 

There  was  another  cause  for  anxiety.  The  ban- 
dits, who,  during  the  first  three  or  four  days,  had 
treated  their  captives  politely  and  even  courteously, 
now  wore  a  different  expression.  They  looked 
gloomy  and  frowned  ominously  when  they  entered 
the  apartment  where  their  captives  were  confined. 
They  made  no  conversation  with  them,  but  their  looks 
were  hostile.  Finally — it  was  on  the  morning  of  the 
seventh  day — they  entered  the  room  in  a  body,  ac- 
companied by  the  interpreter. 

They  took  seats,  and  the  interpreter  addressed  him- 
self to  Mr.  Sanderson. 

"  Signer,"  he  said,  "  your  friend  has  not  re- 
turned." 

"  I  know  it,  and  I  am  blamed  sorry  for  it." 
"  This  is  the  seventh  day  since  he  started." 
"  Correct,   squire.     It  seemed  as  much  as  seven 
weeks  to  me." 


264  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Naples  is  not  far  off,"  continued  the  interpreter 
significantly. 

"  That's  so." 

"  Don't  jou  think  he  has  had  time  to  go  there  and 
return  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  do,"  blurted  out  Sanderson.  "  I  think 
he's  been  infernally  slow.  If  you'd  only  let  me  go  in- 
stead of  him  I'd  have  been  back  long  ago." 

"  I  see  the  signor  agrees  with  me.  He  has  been 
gone  much  longer  than  is  necessary." 

"  I  think  so,  too." 

"  Perhaps  there  has  been  some  accident,"  suggested 
Bernard. 

"  My  friends  are  not  willing  to  wait  much  longer," 
said  the  interpreter. 

"  I  don't  see  that  we  can  do  anything  to  hurry  him 
back." 

"  No,  but  if  he  should  delay  another  day  it  might 
be  very  uncomfortable  for  you  and  the  boy." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  " 

"  I  mean  that  if  he  is  not  here  by  to-morrow  we  will 
think  that  he  does  not  mean  to  come  at  all." 

"  And  what  then  ?  " 

The  interpreter  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  Probably  the  signor  can  conjecture  ?  " 

*'  You  will  keep  us  in  captivity  then  ?  " 


WALTER  CUNNINGHAM'S  MISSION.  265 

"  No,  we  will  give  you  a  passport  to  another 
world." 

"  You  will  murder  us  ? "  inquired  Amos  Sander- 
son, horror-struck,  for  he  had  a  natural  love  for  the 
world  in  which  his  money  secured  him  a  liberal  share 
of  enjoyment. 

"  The  signor  has  said  it." 

"  Why,  that  would  be  outrageous !  "  exclaimed  the 
American,  big  drops  of  perspiration  forming  on  his 
forehead. 

"  Then  your  friend  should  come  back  with  the 
money." 

"  But  it  won't  be  our  fault  if  he  does  not," 

"  True,  but  it  will  be  very  disagreeable  for  you." 

"  Look  here,  what  good  is  it  going  to  do  you  to  kill 
me  ? "  asked  Amos  Sanderson,  in  an  argumental 
tone. 

"  I  don't  care  to  argue.  Our  friends  here  wish  to 
prepare  you  for  the  worst.  If  your  friend  does  not 
appear  to-morrow  at  noon  you  and  the  boy  must  die." 

"  Do  you  hear  that,  Bernard  ?  "  asked  Sanderson. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Bernard,  in  a  low  voice. 

The  boy's  face  was  pale,  and  a  feeling  of  awe  was 
in  his  heart  as  he  felt  that  the  end  of  his  life  might 
be  near.  He  did  not  feel  inclined  to  argue  the  matter 
like  Sanderson,  but  he  inwardly  prayed  for  Walter 
Cunningham's  return. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

SUSPENSE. 

!N^EiTHER  Bernard  nor  his  companion  slept  much 
that  night.  Both  realized  that  it  might  be  the  last 
night  of  their  lives.  Bernard  felt  solemn,  but 
mingled  with  Sanderson's  alarm  and  anxiety  was  a 
feeling  of  intense  anger  against  Walter  Cunning- 
ham for  his  desertion  of  them. 

"  It  is  a  mean,  contemptible  trick  that  Cunning- 
ham has  played  upon  us/'  he  said.  "  For  the  sake  of 
saving  his  paltry  money  he  has  doomed  us  both  to 
death." 

"  I  am  sure  it  isn't  his  fault." 

"  Oh,  you  may  excuse  him  if  you  will.  I  won't 
do  it.    I  understand  him  better  than  you  do." 

"  I  don't  feel  like  disputing  you,"  said  Bernard 
gravely,  "  but  I  know  him  well,  and  I  am  sure  he 
would  not  leave  me  in  the  lurch." 

They  tossed  about  on  their  beds  and  neither  one 
slept.     They  woke  and  rose  unrefreshed. 

Breakfast  was  brought  them,  but  neither  could  eat 
a  mouthful. 

"  I  can't  eat  anything.  It  would  choke  me,"  said 
Sanderson. 

266 


"  It  is  a  mean  trick  that  Cunningham  has  played  upon  us,"  said  Sanderson. 
"  For  the  sake  of  saving  his  money  he  has  doomed  us  both  to  death.  "—Page  266 

Bernard  Brooks''  Adventures. 


SUSPENSE.  267 

"  Walter  Cunningham  may  come  yet,"  said  Ber- 
nard, but  his  hope  was  very  faint. 

"  Then  he  had  better  hurry,  that's  all  I  have  got  to 
say.  I  wish  I  could  communicate  with  the  American 
minister.  Our  government  should  send  over  a  fleet 
of  war  vessels  and  blow  Naples  sky  high." 

"  You  must  remember  that  these  men  are  outlaws 
— that  it  is  their  work,  and  not  the  work  of  the  gov- 
ernment." 

"  Then  the  government  should  suppress  them.  I 
wish,"  Amos  Sanderson  continued,  with  a  groan, 
"  that  I  had  never  set  foot  in  this  forsaken  country. 
I  should  have  stood  a  better  chance  in  a  savage  land." 

"  The  signor  is  not  hungry  ?  "  said  the  bandit  who 
had  brought  in  the  breakfast.  He  spoke  in  Italian, 
but  Bernard  understood. 

"  ]^o,"  he  answered,  "  we  are  not  hungry." 

"  How  can  you  expect  a  man  to  have  an  appetite 
when  he's  going  to  be  murdered  ?  "  growled  Sander- 
son. 

The  bandit  did  not  understand,  and  merely  looked 
at  him  gravely. 

"  It's  too  bad,"  went  on  the  American,  "  to  leave 
the  world,  when  a  man  has  made  a  fortune  and  is 
able  to  enjoy  it.  Why,  I  ought  to  live  twenty-five 
years  yet.     I  am  only  forty-seven." 

^'  And  I  am  not  yet  seventeen,"  said  Bernard. 


268     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  Yes,  it's  hard  luck  for  us  both.  And  to  think 
Cunningham  has  doomed  us  to  all  this!  I'd  like  to 
■wring  his  neck.  If  I  had  gone  it  would  have  been 
different." 

Bernard  felt  too  despondent  to  defend  his  friend. 
In  his  secret  heart  he  felt  that  Cunningham  ought  to 
have  managed  somehow  to  come  back  and  save  them 
from  the  doom  which  now  awaited  them. 

"  It  is  half  past  eleven,"  said  the  American,  draw- 
ing out  his  watch,  which,  perhaps  because  it  was  only 
of  silver,  the  bandits  had  not  confiscated. 

"  Then  we  have  half  an  hour  to  live.  If  only  Mr. 
Cunningham  would  appear  in  that  time !  "  sighed 
Bernard. 

Slowly  the  minutes  passed,  but  there  was  no  ar- 
rival. 

Punctually  at  twelve  o'clock  the  door  opened  and 
the  bandits  entered,  accompanied  by  the  interpreter. 
There  was  a  stern  gravity  upon  the  faces  of  the  three 
Italians,  which  caused  the  hearts  of  the  captives  to 
sink  within  them. 

"  Well,"  said  the  interpreter,  "  your  friend  has  not 
come." 

"  ISTo,  confound  him ! "  exclaimed  Sanderson 
fiercely.    "  I'd  like  to  strangle  him." 

"  Give  him  another  day,"  pleaded  Bernard.  "  He 
must  have  met  with  some  delay." 


SUSPENSE.  269 

The  interpreter  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  Naples  is  only  fifteen  miles  away,  and  it  is  now 
the  seventh  day.  Doubtless  he  is  enjoying  himself. 
He  has  no  thought  of  returning." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  you  are  right,"  said  Amos  San- 
derson bitterly. 

"  The  signor  agrees  with  me,  then." 

"  You  should  have  let  me  go." 

"  Would  it  have  been  any  better  ? "  asked  the  in- 
terpreter gravely. 

"  Yes.    I  give  you  my  word  it  would." 

Then  a  sudden  thought  came  to  Mr.  Sanderson. 

"  Look  here,"  he  said,  "  you  want  money,  don't 
you  ?  " 

"  That  is  what  we  want." 

"Then  I'll  tell  you  what  I'll  do.  Send  me  to 
JSTaples,  and  I'll  bring  you  five  thousand  scudi.  I'll 
hurry  back  as  soon  as  I  can." 

"  Does  the  signor  take  us  for  fools  ?  We  have  lost 
one  of  our  prisoners.     Shall  we  let  another  go  ?  " 

"  But  you  will  have  the  boy  left." 

"WeU?" 

"  If  I  don't  come  back  you  will  have  him  in  your 
power." 

Bernard  looked  at  Amos  Sanderson. 

He  was  not  especially  pleased  with  his  proposal, 
nor  did  he  feel  in  the  least  certain  that  he  would 


270  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

come  back.  Still,  his  life  would  be  prolonged,  and 
that  would  lead  to  something.  Possibly  it  would 
give  Walter  Cunningham  time  to  return. 

"  I  am  willing  to  be  left,"  he  said,  "  if  you  choose 
to  let  this  gentleman  go." 

"  You're  a  trump,  Bernard !  "  said  Mr.  Sanderson 
cordially.  "  I'll  come  back,  I  assure  you.  You  see 
the  boy  is  willing." 

"  But  we  are  not,"  said  the  interpreter  decidedly. 
"  Of  the  three  the  boy  is  the  last  one  that  we  wish  to 
retain." 

"  But  you  want  the  money,  don't  you  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  let  me  go." 

"  How  will  the  signer  get  the  money  ?  " 

"  From  my  bankers." 

"  But  you  gave  your  letter  of  credit  to  the  other 
signer." 

"  So  I  did,"  said  Amos  Sanderson,  with  sudden 
recollection. 

"  And  without  your  letter  of  credit  you  could  get 
no  money." 

Amos  Sanderson  was  silent.  He  had  no  answer  to 
make.  He  had  still  harder  thoughts  in  his  heart  of 
Walter  Cunningham,  whom  he  accused  of  the  basest 
treachery. 


SUSPENSE.  271 

"  Have  you  any  more  to  say  ?  "  asked  the  interpre- 
ter. 

"  No,"  answered  Sanderson  sullenly. 

"  And  you  ?  "  turning  to  Bernard. 

"  I  ask  you  to  wait  another  day." 

"  We  cannot  do  it.  It  is  clear  that  Signor  Cun- 
ningham will  not  return." 

At  a  signal  one  of  the  bandits  went  to  the  door  and 
opened  it. 

"  Follow  me,"  said  the  interpreter. 

Bernard  and  Sanderson  had  been  so  long  confined 
that  they  were  glad  to  pass  through  the  portal  into  the 
bright  sunshine  without. 

"  ISTow  what  are  you  going  to  do  with  us  ? "  asked 
the  American. 

"  You  can  choose  in  what  way  you  will  die.  Shall 
it  be  by  the  knife  or  the  pistol  ?  " 

Just  then  Bernard  turned  his  head.  He  uttered  a 
joyful  exclamation. 

"  Look !  "  he  said  in  delight,  "  there  he  comes ! 
There  is  Walter  Cunningham." 

A  dozen  rods  away  could  be  seen  the  figure  of  their 
missing  companion.  He  seemed  to  be  extremely  fa- 
tigued, and  his  clothing  was  covered  with  dust. 

"  I  knew  he  would  come,"  said  Bernard  trium- 
phantly. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

RESCUED. 

"  I'm  glad  to  see  you,  old  man,"  called  out  Amos 
Sanderson  joyfully.  "  I  was  afraid  you  wouldn't 
come.    It  came  near  being  serious  for  us." 

"  Yes,  I  have  come,"  said  Walter  Cunningham 
wearily. 

He  looked  ready  to  drop,  and  there  was  an  expres- 
Bion  of  sadness  on  his  face. 

"  You  seem  very  tired,"  said  Bernard  compassion- 
ately. 

"  Yes,  I  was  afraid  I  would  be  too  late.  Why  are 
you  all  out  here  ?    What  is  going  to  happen  ?  " 

"  I'll  tell  you,"  said  Sanderson.  "  These  gentle- 
men were  about  to  kill  us.  They  had  just  offered  us 
the  choice  of  how  to  die.  But  now  that  you  have 
come  with  the  money " 

"  I  have  no  money,"  said  Cunningham  in  a  low 
voice. 

"  What !  "  exclaimed  Sanderson,  in  dismay. 

"  You  have  no  money  ? "  said  the  interpreter,  in 
amazement. 

272 


RESCUED.  273 

"  What  have  you  been  doing  all  this  time,  then  ?  " 
asked  the  American. 

"  I  will  tell  you,  but  I  must  sit.  I  have  been  walk- 
ing for  hours." 

He  sat  down  on  a  broken  branch  of  a  tree  and 
breathed  a  deep  sigh. 

The  bandits  looked  puzzled.  They  did  not  under- 
stand what  he  had  said,  but  felt  that  it  was  some- 
thing of  importance,  and  they  looked  to  the  interpre- 
ter for  an  explanation.  The  latter  said  nothing,  but 
waited. 

"Listen,"  began  Cunningham;  "a  week  since  I 
left  here  and  went  to  J^aples." 

"  You  did  go  to  ITaples,  then  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  reached  I^^aples,  though  it  took  me  rather 
longer  than  I  anticipated.  I  went  to  see  the  bankers, 
and " 

"  Got  the  money  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  got  the  money." 

"  Then  I  don't  understand." 

"  You  will  soon.  I  was  delayed  two  days,  and  this 
will  account  in  part  for  the  length  of  time  I  have 
been  absent.  As  soon  as  I  could  I  started  on  my  re- 
turn." 

"With  the  money?" 

"  Yes,  with  the  money.    But  T  was  waylaid  by  two 
men  twenty  miles  back,  and  robbed  of  every  scudi." 
IS 


274  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Amos  Sanderson  groaned. 

"  Is  this  true  ?  "  asked  the  interpreter. 

"  Yes ;  I  wish  it  were  not." 

"  And  you  have  come  here  with  empty  pockets  ? " 

"  Yes." 

"  Why,  then,  did  you  come  back  at  all  ?  " 

"  Because  I  felt  that  I  could  not  desert  my  com- 
rades. I  went  out  as  their  agent,  and  it  was  my  duty 
to  report  to  them,  and  share  their  fate  if  any  harm 
should  befall  them." 

"  You  hear  that,  Mr.  Sanderson  ? "  said  Bernard 
triumphantly. 

"  If  I  had  been  the  messenger  this  thing  would  not 
have  happened." 

"  Will  you  explain  to  these  gentlemen  what  I  have 
said  ? "  said  Cunningham  to  the  interpreter. 

The  latter  did  so,  and  the  result  was  scowling  looks 
on  the  swarthy  faces  of  the  three  Italians.  The  three 
captives  awaited  in  silence  the  result  of  their  confer- 
ence.    They  had  not  to  wait  long. 

"  I  am  sorry,  gentlemen,"  said  the  interpreter, 
"  for  what  is  going  to  happen.  My  friends  here  are 
deeply  disappointed." 

"  It  is  not  our  fault,"  said  Amos  Sanderson. 

"  They  have  stated  the  terms  of  release.  They  re- 
quired five  thousand  scudi,  and  they  are  not  forth- 


RESCUED.  275 

coming.  Under  the  circumstances  thej  have  no  choice 
but  to  doom  you  all  to  death." 

It  was  a  terrible  sentence,  and  the  hearts  of  the 
three  captives  quailed. 

"  At  least  spare  the  boy — spare  Bernard,"  said 
Walter  Cunningham. 

''  We  can  make  no  exception,"  replied  the  inter- 
preter, after  a  brief  conference  with  the  bandits. 
"  All  we  can  do  is  to  give  you  the  choice  of  the  knife 
or  the  pistol." 

"  I  choose  the  pistol,"  said  the  Englishman. 

"  Look  here,  you  are  making  fools  of  yourselves," 
cried  Amos  Sanderson.  "  Send  me  to  E'aples,  and 
I  will  bring  back  the  money.  I  see  that  you  are  in 
earnest,  and  I  will  keep  my  word." 

Again  there  was  a  whispered  conference.  Then 
the  interpreter  spoke  again. 

"  My  friends  do  not  trust  you,"  he  said.  "  You 
would  not  return." 

Sanderson  wished  to  argue  the  question,  but  the 
interpreter  silenced  him  by  an  imperative  gesture. 

"  Xo  words  of  yours  can  alter  our  purpose,"  he 
said.  "  We  have  been  more  lenient  with  you  than 
with  most  of  our  prisoners.  We  have  given  you  seven 
days  to  get  the  money  for  your  ransom,  and  it  is  not 
here.  We  have  no  time  to  waste.  What  is  to  be  done 
must  be  done  quickly." 


276     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  There  seems  no  help  for  it,  Bernard,"  said  the 
Englishman. 

Within  five  minutes  the  three  captives,  with  hands 
tied,  were  boimd  to  trees,  and  with  blanched  faces 
awaited  the  fatal  volley  from  the  three  bandits,  who 
stationed  themselves  at  the  distance  of  twenty  paces 
fronting  them. 

Bernard  gave  himself  up  for  lost  when  something 
unexpected  happened.  He  heard  shots,  and  for  the 
moment  thought  they  came  from  the  pistols  of  their 
intended  murderers.  But  to  his  astonishment  it  was 
the  robber  opposite  him  who  fell.  Another  shot  and 
another  and  the  other  two  fell,  fatally  wounded. 
Then  a  party  of  soldiers  came  dashing  forward,  ac- 
companied by  a  man  whose  face  looked  familiar  to 
Bernard. 

"'  Mr.  Penrose !  "  he  exclaimed. 

"  Yes,  Bernard,  it  is  I.  I  was  robbed  by  these 
men  a  month  since.  I  tracked  them,  and  I  have  at 
last  brought  them  to  justice." 

"  You're  a  trump,  squire !  "  said  Amos  Sanderson. 
"  I  never  felt  so  relieved  in  the  whole  course  of  my 
life.    Come  and  untie  me." 

William  Penrose  took  a  jack-knife  from  his  pocket, 
but  he  untied  Bernard  first. 

"  You  have  the  prior  claim  on  me,"  he  said. 

It  was  found  that  two  of  the  bandits  were  dead. 


RESCUED.  27T 

The  third  was  taken  by  the  soldiers,  and  carried  on  an 
extemporized  litter  to  the  nearest  town,  where  he  wa3 
imprisoned,  but  later  tried  and  sentenced  to  be  exe- 
cuted. 

Overjoyed  at  their  unexpected  rescue  from  peril, 
the  three  travelers  made  the  best  of  their  way  to 
I^aples,  where,  despite  the  loss  of  five  thousand  scudi, 
Walter  Cunningham  and  Amos  Sanderson  enjoyed 
themselves  by  trips  to  Mt.  Vesuvius,  Pompeii,  and  a 
ride  to  Sorrento  along  the  shores  of  the  magnificent 
Bay  of  Naples. 

"  Have  you  consoled  yourself  for  the  loss  of  two 
thousand  scudi  ?  "  asked  Bernard,  addressing  himself 
to  the  American,  as  they  sat  on  a  balcony  in  their 
Sorrento  hotel,  looking  out  upon  the  moonlit  waters 
of  the  famous  sea. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Mr.  Sanderson.  "  jSTow  that  the 
three  rascals  who  captured  us  and  nearly  put  us  to 
death  have  met  the  same  fate  themselves,  I  don't 
make  any  account  of  the  money.  Thank  Providence, 
I  have  plenty  left." 

"  That's  the  right  way  to  look  upon  it,"  said  Wal- 
ter Cunningham. 

"  I  am  the  only  one  who  has  lost  nothing,"  said 
Bernard.    "  I  have  the  best  reason  to  be  satisfied." 

The  three  still  remained  together.  They  had  been 
companions  in  misfortune,  and  this  was  a  tie  that 


278     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

still  held  them.  Yet,  truth  to  tell,  neither  Bernard 
nor  his  English  friend  enjoyed  the  society  of  the 
American,  who  was  hardly  congenial,  and  had  some 
objectionable  qualities. 

"  I  have  no  prejudice  against  your  countrymen," 
said  Mr.  Cunningham  to  Bernard.  "  I  have  known 
many  cultivated  and  refined  Americans,  whose  so- 
ciety I  enjoyed,  but  they  differed  essentially  from 
Mr.  Sanderson.     I  own  I  wish  he  would  leave  us." 

"  He  seems  determined  to  stand  by  us,"  said  Ber- 
nard. 

"  Yes,  so  it  seems." 

"  There  is  one  chance  of  separating  from  him. 
He  has  made  up  his  mind  to  go  to  Sicily  and  wants 
us  to  go  with  him." 

"  We  can  refuse.  But  in  that  case  he  may  give  up 
his  plan." 

"  I  don't  think  he  will.  He  tells  me  he  has  always 
wanted  to  go  to  Sicily." 

"  He  may  stand  a  chance  of  being  again  captured 
by  banditti.  I  understand  that  Sicily  is  more  in- 
fested with  them  than  the  mainland." 

"  I  earnestly  hope  not.  I  don't  care  especially  for 
Mr.  Sanderson,  but  I  think  he  has  had  his  share 
of  that  kind  of  peril." 

That  evening  Mr.  Sanderson  broached  the  subject, 


RESCUED.  279 

and  strongly  urged  his  two  companions  to  start  with 
him  for  Palermo. 

"  We  shall  have  to  disappoint  you,"  said  Walter 
Cunningham.     "  We  have  other  plans." 

"  But  it  won't  take  long,  and  I  surmise  you  have  no 
important  business  to  keep  you  from  going." 

The  next  day,  however,  Mr.  Cunningham  was  pro- 
vided with  an  excuse.  He  received  a  letter  from 
England  informing  him  that  an  uncle,  his  mother's 
brother,  was  dying,  and  wished  to  see  him. 

"  Are  you  ready  to  go  back  to  England  with  me  at 
once,  Bernard  ? "  he  said. 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  do  so." 

"  Then  pack  your  luggage,  and  we  will  go." 

In  London  Bernard  received  a  letter  from  America 
that  interested  him. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


NAT  BARCLAY  S  LETTEK. 


The  day  after  Bernard  reached  London  he  received 
at  his  old  address  a  letter  bearing  the  familiar  post- 
mark of  Doncaster.  It  will  be  remembered  that  it 
■was  at  Doncaster  our  story  opened,  and  it  was  there 
that  the  boarding-school  of  Professor  Ezekiel  Snow- 
don  was  located.  Bernard's  face  lighted  up  with 
pleasure,  for  in  the  superscription  he  recognized  the 
handwriting  of  his  friend  Xat  Barclay. 

He  tore  open  the  envelope  and  read  the  letter 
quickly.     It  ran  thus : 

"  Dear  Bernard  : 

"  I  write  this  with  great  anxiety,  for  I  don't  know 
if  you  are  living  or  dead.  Yesterday  I  met  Septimus 
Snowdon,  who  is  the  same  disagreeable  bully  as  ever, 
and  he  said,  '  Well,  I  have  some  news  for  you  about 
3'our  friend  Bernard  Brooks.'  I  was  rather  sur- 
prised at  this,  for  I  didn't  suppose  you  would  be  very 
likely  to  write  to  him.  Still  I  asked,  '  Have  you 
beard    from    him  ? '     '  !N^o,'    he    answered    disdain- 

280 


NAT  BARCLAY'S  LETTER.  281 

fully.  •  *  I  wouldn't  have  any  correspondence  with  a 
fellow  like  him.  But  he  isn't  likely  to  write  any 
more  letters.'  '  Why  not  ? '  I  asked.  '  Because 
he's  dead,  that's  why/  snapped  Septimus,  and  I  saw 
that  he  seemed  pleased.  '  I  don't  believe  it,'  I  re- 
turned. '  Where  do  you  get  your  information  ? ' 
'You'll  have  to  believe  it,'  he  said.  '  Pa  received  a 
letter  from  his  guardian,  Mr.  Cornelius  McCracken, 
of  !N^ew  York,  saying  that  his  death  had  been  reported 
to  him  by  the  gentleman  in  whose  company  he  went 
to  Europe.  I  believe  he  wrote  that  he  had  met  with 
an  accident  in  Marseilles.'  Now  I  had  a  good  deal 
of  doubt  about  the  correctness  of  this  statement,  for 
I  knew  from  your  own  letters  that  you  parted  with 
Professor  Puffer  in  London,  and  were  not  likely  to 
be  in  Marseilles  with  him.  I  asked  Septimus  some 
further  questions,  but  he  seemed  to  have  no  more  in- 
formation. 

"  '  Well,'  said  Septimus  sneeringly,  '  are  you  going 
to  put  on  mourning  for  your  great  friend  Bernard  ? ' 
'  I  might,'  I  answered,  '  if  I  believed  him  to  be  dead, 
but  I  don't  believe  it.' 

"  '  You'll  never  see  him  again,'  said  Septimus  posi- 
tively. 

"  "Now,  Bernard,  though  I  don't  believe  the  story, 
I  am  anxious,  and  if  you  are  alive  I  hope  you  will 
write  me  again  and  tell  me.     I  won't  believe  it  till 


282     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

I  have  your  own  authority.  That  sounds  like  a  bull, 
doesn't  it  ?  But  I'll  go  on  and  write  as  if  you  were 
still  alive.  You  may  wish  to  know  something  about 
the  school.  To  the  best  of  my  belief  it  is  far  from 
prosperous.  There  are  very  few  scholars,  and  those 
don't  look  as  if  their  parents  or  guardians  paid  much 
for  them.  Then  the  professor  himself  is  looking  very 
shabby  and  seedy.  I  don't  believe  he  has  had  a  new 
coat  for  over  a  year.  Septimus  looks  better.  There 
is  a  pupil  in  the  school  about  his  size,  and  I  really 
believe  that  Septimus  is  wearing  his  clothes.  I  hear 
that  old  Snowdon  gave  the  boy  a  dollar  and  a  half  for 
his  best  suit.  The  boy  was  glad  to  sell  it  in  order  to 
get  a  little  pocket  money.  I  know  how  he  spent  a 
part  of  it.  He  went  to  the  baker's  in  the  village  and 
bought  a  supply  of  cakes  and  doughnuts,  of  which  he 
stood  in  need,  for  I  hear  that  the  seminary  table, 
never  very  good,  is  now  poorer  than  ever. 

"  When  are  you  coming  back  to  America  ?  I  long 
to  see  you.  If  you  do  come  you  must  be  sure  to  come 
out  to  Doncaster  and  see 

"  Your  affectionate  friend, 

"  Nat  Bakclat." 

Bernard  showed  his  letter  to  Mr.  Cunningham. 
"  Would  you  like  to  go  to  America,  Bernard  ?  "  he 
asked. 


NAT  BARCLAY'S  LETTER.  283 

"  I  don't  want  to  leave  you,  sir." 

"  But  suppose  I  should  go,  too  ?  " 

"  Then  I  should  be  delighted  to  go." 

"  I  cannot  go  while  my  uncle's  life  is  in  doubt, 
but  when  I  am  released  from  attendance  upon  him  I 
shall  have  nothing  to  hinder  me." 

That  day  week  the  uncle  died.  After  the  funeral 
Mr.  Cunningham  said,  "  Well,  Bernard,  I  have  not 
forgotten  the  promise  I  made  you.  We  will  go  to  the 
office  of  the  Cunard  steamers,  and  see  whether  we 
can  engage  passage  by  the  Etruria,  which  is  the  first 
one  to  sail." 

It  was  found  that  one  of  the  best  staterooms  on 
the  palatial  steamer  was  still  disengaged.  Walter 
Cunningham  lost  no  time  in  securing  it,  and  the  two 
embarked  on  the  following  Saturday. 

There  is  no  occasion  to  dwell  upon  the  voyage.  The 
weather  was  good,  and  the  Etruria  made  one  of  the 
quick  passages  for  which  she  is  famous. 

When  Bernard  steamed  into  port,  and  saw  the  fa- 
miliar roofs  and  spires  of  the  great  American  city, 
his  heart  thrilled  within  him,  and  he  felt  that  warm 
glow  which  the  sight  of  home  is  apt  to  enkindle. 


CHAPTER  XXXy. 

PEOFESSOK  puffer's  DECLINE  AND  FALL. 

"  Beenard,"  said  Walter  Cimningliain,  as  they 
sat  together  in  a  handsome  apartment  at  the  Brevoort 
House,  "  I  feel  that  I  have  not  done  as  well  by  you 
as  I  should." 

"  You  have  been  a  kind  friend  to  me,  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham. I  have  lacked  for  nothing  since  I  have 
been  with  you.     I  think  you  do  yourself  injustice." 

"  That  is  true,  but  suppose  anything  should  hap- 
pen to  me,  how  would  you  fare  ?  " 

"  We  won't  think  of  that,  Walter.  You  are  a 
young  man.    You  are  likely  to  live  for  many  years." 

"  So  I  hope,"  said  the  young  Englishman,  smil- 
ing. "  Life  is  sweet  to  me,  and  I  have  something  to 
live  for,  especially  now  that  I  have  you.  But  I  feel 
that  I  ought  to  make  a  provision  for  you,  to  place 
your  future  beyond  a  contingency." 

Bernard  did  not  reply.  He  waited  for  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham to  finish  what  he  had  to  say. 

"  I  shall  therefore  go  to  my  banker's  this  morn- 
ing, and  turn  over  to  yon  the  sum  of  fifteen  thou- 

284 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DECLINE  AND  FALL.    285 

sand  dollars.  It  is  not  all  I  intend  to  do  for  you, 
but  it  will  prevent  your  experiencing  inconvenience 
in  the  event  of  any  sudden  accident  to  me." 

"  Fifteen  thousand  dollars !  "  repeated  Bernard,  in 
astonishment.  "  Why,  that  will  make  me  rich.  How 
can  I  thank  you  for  your  great  kindness  ?  " 

"  I  look  upon  you  as  a  brother,  Bernard.  With  the 
affection  I  feel  for  you  I  could  not  allow  you  to  run 
the  risk  of  poverty  and  destitution.  To  be  sure,  you 
are  young  and  a  boy  of  capacity,  but  for  a  time  you 
might  be  in  trouble." 

That  very  morning  Mr.  Cunningham  took  Bernard 
to  the  office  of  his  banker  in  Wall  Street,  and  trans- 
ferred the  sum  he  had  mentioned  to  Bernard's  ac- 
count. 

"  I  advise  you  to  keep  your  money  for  the  present 
in  the  hands  of  my  good  friends  here,  unless  you 
should  prefer  to  deposit  it  with  your  old  guardian, 
Mr.  McCracken." 

"  I  would  not  trust  Mr.  McCracken,"  said  Ber- 
nard, "  but  I  should  like  before  I  leave  the  city  to 
pay  him  a  visit." 

Walking  down  Broadway  in  the  afternoon  Ber- 
nard was  treated  to  a  surprise.  Marching  in  front 
of  him  with  a  slow  and  weary  step  was  a  thick-set 
iHan  of  over  fifty,  sandwiched  between  two  advertis- 
ing boards,  bearing  in  large  capitals  these  words : 


286     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 


USE  SWEETLA^D'S  PILLS. 

There  was  something  familiar  in  the  figure,  hut 
from  a  rear  view  Bernard  could  not  immediately 
place  it.  However,  the  man  presently  turned  partly 
round,  showing  his  side  face,  and  Bernard  was 
startled  by  a  sudden  recognition. 

It  was  Professor  Puffer ! 

Yes,  the  celebrated  professor,  author  (by  his  own 
account)  of  several  large  and  elaborate  works  on  the 
antiquities  of  the  old  world,  had  actually  sunk  so 
low  as  to  become  a  sandwich  man,  earning  the  miser- 
able pittance  of  fifty  cents  a  day. 

Bernard  at  once  in  some  excitement  imparted  his 
astonishing  discovery  to  his  companion. 

"  What !  Is  that  your  Professor  Puffer  ?  "  asked 
Cunningham  in  wonder.  "  How  have  the  mighty  fal- 
len !  " 

"  He  was  never  so  mighty  as  I  supposed,"  said 
Bernard.  "  I  feel  quite  sure  that  he  was  a  humbug 
and  no  professor  at  all." 

"  I  am  inclined  to  agree  with  you.  I  don't  think 
any  real  professor  would  ever  be  reduced  to  such 
shifts  as  this.  What  are  you  going  to  do  ?  Shall  you 
make  yourself  known  to  your  old  companion  ?  " 

"  I  think  I  would  like  to  do  so,"  said  Bernard 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER'S  DECLINE  AND  FALL.    287 

thoughtfullj.  "  He  may  be  able  to  give  me  some  in- 
formation, concerning  my  guardian,  for  instance 
that  may  be  of  service  to  me." 

"  Perhaps  you  are  right.  At  any  rate,  it  will  do 
no  harm,  unless  you  are  afraid  that  the  professor  will 
try  to  get  you  into  his  power  again." 

Bernard  smiled  as  he  regarded  with  complacency 
his  own  well  knit  figure — he  was  three  inches  taller 
than  when  he  had  been  a  fellow  passenger  of  the 
professor  on  the  ship  Vesta, 

"  If  he  should  try  to  get  me  into  his  power,  will 
you  stand  by  me,  Mr.  Cunningham  ?  "  he  said. 

"  Yes ;  but  I  fancy  that  you  are  quite  able  to  fight 
your  own  battles." 

Bernard  stepped  forward  until  he  was  in  a  line 
with  Professor  Puffer.  Then  in  a  clear,  distinct 
voice,  he  said,  "  Professor  Puffer !  " 

The  sandwich  man  turned  quickly,  and  regarded 
Bernard  with  surprise.  The  latter  had  not  only 
grown,  but  he  was  much  better  dressed  than  when 
the  professor  parted  wdth  him. 

"  Who  are  you  ? "  he  demanded,  looking  be- 
wildered. 

"  Don't  you  remember  your  old  companion  on  the 
Vesta  ?  " 

"  Bernard  Brooks !  "  ejaculated  Professor  Puffer 
in  deep  amazement. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

PKOFESSOK  PUFFEE  BECOMES  AN  ALLY. 

Pkofessok  Puffer  let  his  eye  glide  slowly  over 
Bernard's  figure.  He  noted  not  only  his  increase  in 
size,  but  his  neat  dress,  and  bright  and  handsome 
face. 

"  How  long  have  you  been  in  America  ?  "  he  asked 
abruptly. 

"  I  arrived  yesterday  by  the  Etruria." 

"  You  seem  well  and  prosperous,"  went  on  Puffer, 
with  an  envious  sigh. 

"  Yes ;  I  have  been  fortunate." 

"  It  is  wonderful.  You  are  elegantly  dressed. 
Yet  I  left  you  destitute,  or  rather  you  left  me,  with- 
out a  penny  to  fall  back  upon." 

"  That  is  true,  Professor  Puffer." 

"  It  was  a  reckless  step  to  take." 

"  It  may  have  been,  but  you  must  admit  that  I  had 
good  reasons  for  taking  the  step,"  said  Bernard  sig- 
nificantly. 

"  What  are  you  doing  ?  Are  you  employed  ?  " 
asked  the  professor,  without  comment. 

288 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  BECOMES  AN  ALLY.      289 

"  I  am,  and  I  am  not.  I  am  nominally  private 
aecretary  to  my  kind  friend,  Mr.  Walter  Cunning- 
ham," said  Bernard,  with  a  look  at  that  gentleman. 

"  The  gentleman  who  advertised  in  London  for  a 
traveling  companion  ?  " 

"  The  same." 

"  I  sought  the  position.  I  should  have  been  much 
better  qualified  than  you,"  said  the  professor  peev- 
ishly. 

"  You  don't  appear  to  have  prospered,"  rejoined 
Bernard. 

"  ISTo.  Is  it  not  disgraceful  that  a  man  of  my  at- 
tainments should  fill  this  ignoble  position  ? "  said 
Professor  Puffer  bitterly. 

"  Couldn't  you  get  anything  better  to  do  ?  " 

"  If  I  could  you  would  not  have  found  me  travel- 
ing through  the  streets  as  a  sandwich  man.  Up  and 
down  I  walk  through  the  livelong  day,  and  how  much 
do  you  think  I  receive  for  my  degrading  labors  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  it  is  not  much." 

"  Fifty  cents  a  day,"  answered  the  professor  bit- 
terly. 

"  And  you  live  on  that  ?  " 

"  Don't  live  on  it    I  starve." 

"  But  I  don't  see  how  you  became  so  reduced.    Was 
not  Cornelius  McCracken,  my  old  guardian,  a  friend 
of  yours  ?  " 
19 


290     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  McCracken !  The  selfish  beast !  Don't  name 
him  to  me.    I  can't  bear  to  hear  his  name  spoken." 

"  Has  he  treated  you  badly  ?  "  asked  Bernard.  . 

"  Has  he  not  ?  I  was  his  confidential  agent.  He 
selected  me  to  do  his  dirty  work.  He  placed  you 
under  my  care,  having  certain  interests  of  his  own  to 
serve." 

"  I  have  always  wondered  what  his  object  could 
have  been  ?  " 

As  Bernard  spoke  he  fixed  his  eyes  eagerly  upon 
the  face  of  his  old  companion.  He  felt  persuaded 
that  Professor  Puffer  could  tell  him  what  he  was 
very  anxious  to  know.  He  meant  before  the  inter- 
view was  over  to  obtain  from  him  light  as  to  his  re- 
lations with  Mr.  McCracken. 

"  Have  you  see  him  lately  ?  Won't  he  do  any- 
thing for  you  ?  "  he  continued. 

"Listen!  When  I  returned  from  Europe,  two 
months  since,  I  called  upon  him.  I  had  previously 
communicated  with  him  by  letter.  He  asked  after 
yeu.    I  told  him  that  you  were  dead." 

"  Why  did  you  tell  him  that  ?  " 

"  Because  it  was  what  he  wished  to  know." 

"  Did  he  wish  me  to  die  ? "  asked  Bernard, 
startled,  but  not  wholly  surprised. 

"  He  did.    In  sending  you  to  Europe  with  me,  he 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  BECOMES  AN  ALLY.      291 

wished  to  get  rid  of  you,  and  I  had  instructions  to 
that  effect." 

"  That  accounts  for  your  trying  to  throw  me  over- 
board that  night  on  the  Vesta." 

"  Yes.  I  was  endeavoring  to  carry  out  my  in- 
structions." 

"  Were  the  instructions  oral  or  written  ?  " 

"  Written.  I  had  a  letter  in  McCracken's  own 
handwriting." 

"  Don't  that  give  you  a  hold  upon  him  ?  " 

"  It  would  if  I  had  kept  it,  but  unfortunately  I 
lost  it  on  the  steamer,  I  think." 

Bernard  had  the  letter  in  his  trunk  at  the  hotel. 
He  had  always  preserved  it,  thinking  that  some  time 
he  might  find  a  use  for  it.  Of  course  the  professor 
didn't  know  this. 

"  I  reported  your  death,"  continued  Puffer.  "  I 
said  you  had  been  run  over  and  fatally  injured  in 
Marseilles.  I  could  see  how  much  satisfaction  this 
news  afforded  Mr.  McCracken.  He  ascertained  by 
cunning  questions  that  I  didn't  have  his  letter  in  my 
possession,  and  then  he  became  cool  and  indifferent. 
'  I  am  sorry  for  the  boy's  death,'  he  said.  '  He  was 
young  to  die.  I  think  you  must  have  been  careless.' 
'  I  was  only  carr^dng  out  your  instructions,'  I  said. 
'  What  do  you  mean  ? '  he  retorted.     *  I  committed 


^92  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

him  to  jour  charge.  If  I  gave  you  anj  instructions, 
produce  them/ 

"  This  I  couldn't  do,  and  he  knew  it. 

"  I  represented  to  him  that  I  was  very  poor,  and 
needed  help. 

"  '  Really,'  he  said,  '  that  is  nothing  to  me.' 

"  '  Can't  you  give  me  employment  ? '  I  asked. 

"  '  I  have  no  places  vacant,'  he  answered  coldly. 

" '  What  am  I  to  do  ? '  I  asked.  '  I  have  no 
money.' 

"  '  Surely  you  don't  expect  me  to  support  you," 
he  said  impatiently.     ^  You  have  no  claim  upon  me.' 

"  Then  I  bethought  myself  of  a  clever  scheme. 

"  '  Surely,'  I  said,  '  you  will  repay  me  the  sum  T 
paid  out  for  the  boy's  funeral.' 

"  Tie  reflected  a  moment,  and  then  answered  in  the 
affirmative. 

"  '  Yes,'  he  said,  '  if  you  will  give  me  a  receipt  in 
due  form.' 

"  I  went  out  of  the  office  with  one  hundred  dollars 
in  my  pocket." 

"  It  was  certainly  a  lucky  thought,"  said  Bernard, 
smiling ;  "  considering  that  my  funeral  expenses  are 
paid,  I  feel  unusually  full  of  life.  However,  I  am 
^  glad  you  got  the  money." 

"  It  is  all  gone  now !  "  went  on  Puffer  mournfully. 
"  I  lived  perhaps  too  freely  while  it  lasted.    When  it 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  BECOMES  AN  ALLY.      293 

■was  gone  I  called  once  more  at  Mr.  McCracken's 
ojfRce,  and  was  literally  kicked  out.  What  do  you 
think  of  that?" 

Hitherto  Walter  Cunningham  had  stood  by  in  si- 
lence, listening  to  the  conversation  between  Bernard 
and  his  quondam  guardian.  Now  he  came  forward 
with  a  question. 

"  Can  3^ou  tell  me,  Professor  Puffer,"  he  asked, 
"  why  Mr.  McCracken  wishes  to  get  rid  of  Ber- 
nard ?  " 

"  The  answer  is  an  easy  one.  He  has  in  his  pos- 
session ten  thousand  dollars  intrusted  to  him  by 
Bernard's  father.  It  must  amount  to  a  good  deal 
more  now  from  the  interest  that  has  accrued." 

"  What  proof  can  you  give  of  this  ?  Did  he  ever 
write  to  you  to  that  effect  ? " 

"  No ;  but  he  admitted  it  to  me  in  conversation." 

"  I  am  disposed  to  get  this  back  from  him.  Are 
you  willing  to  help  me  ?  " 

"  I  wish  I  could,"  said  Puffer  earnestly.  "  I  owe 
him  a  grudge.  That  would  be  a  welcome  revenge. 
But  I  am  afraid  there  is  no  chance.  If  only  I  had 
that  letter  of  instructions  I  could  prove  at  any  rate 
that  he  wanted  me  to  get  rid  of  him." 

"  That  would  give  us  a  hold  on  him,  and  with  the 
help  of  it  I  think  we  could  bring  him  to  terms." 


294:  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  But  unfortunately  I  have  lost  the  letter,"  con- 
tinued the  professor  regretfully. 

"  Professor  Puffer,"  said  Bernard,  "  that  letter  is 
still  in  existence." 

"  Is  it?  "  asked  Puffer  eagerly.     "  Where  is  it  ?  " 

"  I  have  it  in  my  trunk.  I  found  it  on  the  floor  of 
your  stateroom  on  the  Vesta.  It  is  not  quite  com- 
plete, but  there  is  enough  in  it  with  your  help  to 
fasten  a  very  serious  charge  upon  Mr.  McCracken." 

"  Good !  good !  I  am  thankful,"  said  the  professor. 
"  I  will  go  with  you,  and  beard  him  in  his  den.  He 
shall  repent  the  way  in  which  he  has  treated  me. 
But  you  will  have  to  wait  till  evening.  I  shall  not 
be  through  with  my  work  till  six  o'clock." 

"  You  can  leave  it  now,"  said  Cunningham.  "  I 
am  not  at  all  sure  that  you  are  entitled  to  the  title 
of  professor,  but  at  all  events  you  are  fit  for  some- 
thing better  than  a  sandwich  man.  I  will  see  that  you 
are  no  longer  reduced  to  such  humble  work." 

"  I  shall  be  thankful,"  said  Ezra  Puffer,  "  deeply 
thankful  if  you  will  find  me  a  better  position.  Some- 
times I  meet  a  man  whom  I  knew  in  better  days, 
and  then  I  am  inexpressibly  mortified  to  be  seen  in 
such  a  position." 

"  I  think  I  can  promise  you  some  more  congenial 
employment.  Do  you  know  where  the  Brevoort 
House  is  ?  " 


PROFESSOR  PUFFER  BECOMES  AN  ALLY.      295 

*'  Yes." 

"  Come  round  there  at  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, and  call  for  me.    You  remember  my  name  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  you  are  Mr.  Cunningliam." 

"  Do  you  think,"  asked  Puffer,  "  that  you  could 
spare  me  half  a  dollar  now  ?  I  feel  quite  hungry,  and 
I  should  like  to  make  a  good  meal." 

"  Certainly.  Here  are  five  dollars.  ITow,  be  sure 
to  call  at  the  Brevoort  House  to-morrow  morning." 

"  Most  certainly  I  will,"  said  the  professor,  eying 
the  bank  note  he  had  just  received  with  a  joyful 
glance.  "  I  should  be  a  fool  if  I  didn't.  Through 
you  and  Bernard,  I  hope  to  have  another  chance  of 
living  respectably.  I^ow  I  must  go  and  surrender 
this  badge  of  my  servitude,"  and  he  glanced  disdain- 
fully at  the  two  placards  which  he  had  already  re- 
moved from  their  position  behind  and  in  front.  "  I 
hope,  Bernard,  you  will  never  be  subjected  to  such 
humiliation." 

"  I  hardly  think  it  likely,"  said  Walter  Cunning- 
ham, "  especially  if  through  you  he  obtains  possession 
of  his  father's  money." 

"  I  will  do  my  best,  sir.  I  think,  Cornelius  Mc- 
Cracken,"  he  continued,  snapping  his  fingers  at  an 
imaginary  form,  "  that  we  sh^ll  be  too  much  for  you 
at  last.  You  will  be  sorry  that  you  did  not  treat  me 
better." 


296     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

Professor  Puffer  disappeared  rapidly  round  the 
corner  of  Houston  Street,  and  Bernard  and  Walter 
Cunningham  walked  up  town  to  their  hotel. 

"  Things  seem  to  be  turning  in  your  favor,  Ber- 
nard," said  his  companion.  "  The  money  left  by 
your  father  will  not  be  of  so  much  consequence  to  you 
now,  but  it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  wrest  it  from  the 
hands  of  your  faithless  guardian.  Professor  Puffer 
will  prove  to  be  a  good  friend  to  you  after  all." 


CHAPTEE  XXXVII. 

A   BAD  DAY  POK   MK.    MCCKAOKEN". 

Cornelius  McCeacken  sat  in  his  office  in  a  com' 
placent  mood.  He  had  just  closed  a  successful  spec- 
ulation in  Wall  Street,  bj  which  he  had  cleared  a 
few  hundred  dollars.  He  was  not  a  rich  man  for  the 
city,  and  this  was  of  some  consequence  to  him. 

Then  his  mind  could  not  help  reverting  to  Bernard 
and  the  accident  which  had  removed  him  from  his 
path  and  averted  all  danger  of  restitution  of  the  boy'3 
fortune.    Truly  all  seemed  favorable. 

He  heard  a  slight  noise  at  the  door,  and  lifting  his 
eyes  recognized  with  a  scowl  his  old  ally  and  confed- 
erate. Professor  Puffer. 

"  What  do  you  want  here  ?  "  he  demanded  roughly. 
"  I  have  no  time  for  such  as  you." 

Professor  Puffer  entered  the  room,  nevertheless, 
and  sank  into  a  chair. 

"  Mr.  McCracken,"  he  said,  "  I  am  very  unfor- 
tunate. I  am  reduced  to  the  position  of  a  sandwich 
man.  I  who  have  occupied  the  position  of  a  gentle- 
man." 

297 


298  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  is  that  to  me  ?  It  is  an  honest  way  of  earn- 
ing your  living.    You  are  lucky  to  find  work  at  all." 

"  I  have  given  it  up.  I  can't  stand  it.  Besides, 
I  met  yesterday  afternoon  a  person  whom  I  had 
known  in  happier  and  more  prosperous  days.  I  felt 
as  if  I  should  sink  through  the  sidewalk." 

"'  I  see — you  are  poor  and  proud,"  sneered  Mc- 
Cracken.     "  It  is  out  of  place  in  a  man  like  you." 

"  Mr.  McCracken,  can't  you  help  me  ?  I  have 
served  you  faithfully  in  a  matter  you  know  of." 

"  And  you  have  been  paid." 

"  But  think  how  you  have  benefited.  By  the  boy's 
death  you  have  fallen  heir  to  his  fortune,  and " 

"  Who  told  you  he  had  a  fortune  ?  " 

"  You  admitted  it  yourself  in  a  conversation." 

"  Well,  it  was  very  small — a  few  hundred  dollars." 

"  On  that  point  I  will  not  speak.  Even  admitting 
it  to  be  only  that,  can't  you  spare  me  a  few  dollars  ?  " 

"  No,  I  can't.    Get  out  of  my  office !  " 

"  Mr.  McCracken,"  said  Puffer,  changing  his 
tone,  "  you  have  thrown  me  over  because  you  think 
you  don't  need  me  any  more.  Suppose  now — only 
suppose — that  a  mistake  had  been  made — that  Ber- 
nard was  not  dead  after  all." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? "  demanded  the  merchant 
nervously.    "  You  told  me  he  was  dead." 

"  Suppose  I  was  mistaken." 


A  BAD  DAY  FOR  MR.  McCRACKEN.  299 

"  Tlien  jou  deceived  me  baselj.  But  you  are  only 
trying  to  play  a  trick  on  me.  You  have  mistaken 
your  man.    Again  I  order  you  to  leave  my  office." 

"  I  will  do  so,  but  I  shall  return." 

"  If  you  do,  you  will  be  kicked  out." 

Professor  Puffer  did  not  seem  alarmed.  He  went 
out,  closing  the  door  behind  him,  and  immediately  af- 
terwards Bernard  opened  it  and  went  in. 

"  Didn't  I  tell  you  not  to  come  back  ?  "  exclaimed 
McCracken  angrily. 

"  jSTo,"  answered  a  young,  fresh  voice. 

Mr.  McCracken  turned  quickly  and  there  stood 
Bernard  Brooks.  He  had  grown  considerably;  he 
was  much  improved  in  dress;  but  Mr.  McCracken 
recognized  him, 

"  I  see  you  know  me,"  said  Bernard. 

"  No,  I  don't." 

"  I  think  you  do.     I  am  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  I  thought  you  were  dead." 

"  It  was  a  mistake." 

"  I  am  not  prepared  to  admit  your  identity.  You 
don't  look  like  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  I  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  proving  myself  to  be 
your  former  ward." 

"  Well,  what  do  you  want  ?  Do  you  wish  to  put 
yourself  under  my  charge  ?  In  that  case  I  will  send 
you  to  Professor  Snowdon." 


300     BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  !N"o,  thank  you.    I  can  take  care  of  myself." 

"  I  am  willing.  In  that  case  I  will  bid  you  good 
morning.  I  am  busy,"  and  Mr.  McCracken  made  a 
motion  to  return  to  his  writing. 

"  You  asked  me  if  I  had  any  business  with  you. 
I  have,"  continued  Bernard.  "  I  wish  you  to  give 
up  the  fortune  my  father  left  in  your  charge  for  me." 

"  You  lie !  There  was  no  such  fortune.  Some  one 
has  been  deceiving  you.  Perhaps  it  is  that  arrant 
liar,  Ezra  Puffer." 

"  Whom  you  hired  to  put  me  out  of  the  way." 

"  WTiat  do  you  mean  ? "  asked  Mr.  McCracken 
hoarsely. 

"  I  have  in  my  possession  a  letter  which  you  wrote 
to  him,  from  which  it  will  be  easy  to  prove  your  at- 
tempted crime  and  the  motive." 

"  There  is  no  such  letter.  I  never  wrote  one  of  that 
tenor." 

"  It  is  in  your  handwriting." 

"  Show  it  to  me,  then." 

"  I  can't.    It  is  in  the  hands  of  my  lav^^er." 

"  You  have  dared  to  put  it  into  the  hands  of  a 
lawyer  ?  " 

"  I  felt  that  it  was  my  best  course." 

Cornelius  McCracken's  countenance  worked  con- 
vulsively. He  was  beginning  to  be  afraid  of  his 
ward. 


A  BAD  DAY  FOR  MR.  McCRACKEN.  301 

"  There  was  a  matter  of  five  hundred  dollars,"  he 
admitted  reluctantly,  "  left  over  after  my  disburse- 
ments for  you.  I  will  at  my  leisure  look  over  my  ac- 
counts, and  if  there  is  any  money  due  you,  you  shall 
have  it." 

"  I  have  made  the  acquaintance  of  Mr.  Oliver 
Franklin,  an  old  friend  of  my  father.  He  tells  a 
very  different  story.  He  says  my  father  left  at  least 
ten  thousand  dollars." 

"  Stuff  and  nonsense !    You  must  be  crazy." 

"  I  won't  discuss  the  question  with  you,  Mr.  Mc' 
Craeken.  I  have  put  the  matter  into  the  hands  of  a 
lawyer,  who  will  see  you  about  the  matter.  I  only 
wished  to  give  you  notice  what  I  intended  doing. 
Good  morning." 

Bernard  left  the  office,  leaving  his  guardian  in  no 
enviable  state  of  mind.  Without  dwelling  on  the 
legal  steps  taken,  it  is  enough  to  say  that  Mr.  Mc- 
Cracken  was  ultimately  compelled  to  disgorge  twelve 
thousand  dollars  to  his  former  ward. 

Bernard  and  his  English  friend  succeeded  in  ob- 
taining for  Professor  Puffer  a  position  as  doorkeeper, 
in  an  art  museum,  which,  on  the  whole,  he  preferred 
to  being  a  sandwich  man. 

Before  this  law  matter  was  terminated  Bernard 
made  up  his  mind  to  visit  Doncaster  and  see  his  old 
friend  and  teacher,  Professor  Ezekiel  Snowdon. 


CHAPTEK  XXXVIII. 


CONCLUSION. 


When  Bernard  left  the  cars  and  stepped  on  the 
platform  of  tlie  Doncaster  station,  be  saw  Freedom 
Wentworth  preparing  to  drive  away  on  a  store  wagon. 

"  Give  me  a  ride,  Freed  ?  "  said  Bernard. 

Freedom  Wentworth  turned  quickly,  and  seemed 
at  first  in  doubt.  Then  be  said,  as  his  face  lighted 
up,  "  Why,  it's  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  The  same.  Freed.     Shall  I  have  the  ride  ? " 

"  Yes,  jump  up.  Why,  you're  looking  fine. 
Where  do  you  want  to  go  ?  " 

"To  see  my  old  friend.  Professor  Snowdon.  How 
is  he  ? " 

"  He  isn't  flourishing.  He  has  lost  half  his 
Bcholars,  and  looks  awfully  shabby.  Are  you  going  to 
enter  his  school  again  ?  " 

"l^otmuch!" 
;  "  What  are  you  doing  ?    Are  you  working  ?  " 

"  I  am  living  on  my  money." 

"  So  am  I,"  said  Freedom,  who  thought  it  a  good 
joke. 

302 


CONCLUSION.  .303 

"But  I  am  reallj.  I  have  fifteen  thousand  dol- 
lars." 

"  You  don't  say !  I  won't  tell  you  how  much  I 
have,  but  it  isn't  quite  so  much.  Where  did  you  get 
it  ? " 

"  I  will  tell  you  later.  But  who  is  that  ahead  of 
us  ?    Isn't  it  Nat  Barclay  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  ISTat !  "  called  out  Bernard. 

ISTat  turned  and  eyed  Bernard  at  first  doubtfully. 
Then  he  looked  overjoyed  as  he  recognized  his  friend. 
He  jumped  into  the  wagon,  and  squeezing  in  between 
him  and  Freedom  began  to  ply  him  with  questions. 

When  they  reached  the  Snowdon  Institute  Ber- 
nard jumped  down. 

"  I'll  see  you  later,  ISTat,"  he  said. 

"  Come  round  to  dinner,  Bernard." 

"  I  will." 

Bernard  plied  the  knocker  at  Professor  Snowdon's 
front  door.  Clad  in  a  ragged  dressing-gown  the  pro- 
fessor came  to  answer  it.  Being  shortsighted  he 
didn't  at  once  recognize  Bernard. 

"  Have  you  business  with  me,  young  gentleman  ?  " 
he  said  respectfully,  noticing  Bernard's  handsome  at- 
tire. 

"  You  don't  seem  to  recognize  me,  professor." 

^  Have  I  seen  you  before  ?  " 


304  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  am  Bernard  Brooks." 

"Is  it  possible !  You — you  seem  to  be  prosper- 
ous." 

"  Yes,  Professor  Snowdon,  the  world  lias  used  me 
fairly  well  of  late." 

"  I  am  so  glad  to  hear  it,"  said  the  tutor  gushingly. 
"  I  always  thought  that  you'd  get  along  in  business. 
You  are  in  business,  aren't  you  ?  " 

"  To  a  certain  extent,  yes,"  replied  Bernard.  "  I 
have  fallen  heir  to  some  fifteen  thousand  dollars." 

"  You  don't  tell  me !  Dear  me,  how  fortunate ! 
Do  you  wish  to  return  to  the  institute  ?  " 

"  ]^o,  I  think  not.  I  shall  live  in  New  York  for 
the  present." 

"  I  will  take  you  cheap — very  cheap !  I  always 
liked  you,  Bernard  Brooks,"  and  the  professor 
squeezed  Bernard's  hand  between  his  bony  fingers. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,  but  I  thought  you  didn't. 
You  used  to  call  me  a  bad  lot." 

"  A  little  harmless  joke.  I  didn't  mean  it.  Here, 
Septimus !  " 

Septimus  came  from  the  street,  eying  Bernard  with 
curiosity. 

"  Septimus,"  said  his  father,  "  this  is  our  old 
and  favorite  pupil,  Bernard  Brooks." 

"  How  do  you  do,  Bernard  ?  "  said  Septimus,  look- 
ing surprised. 


CONCLUSION.  305 

"  Very  well,  thank  you !  " 

"  Why,  you're  rigged  out  in  tip-top  style !  "  went 
on  Septimus,  enviously. 

"  Septimus,"  said  his  father,  "  you  will  be  glad  to 
hear  that  our  dear  young  friend  has  come  into  a  for- 
tune." 

"  Is  that  straight  ?  "  asked  Septimus. 

"  A  small  fortune,"  said  Bernard,  "  but  I  think 
I  shall  get  my  father's  money  besides  soon.  I  am 
having  negotiations  with  Mr.  McCracken." 

"  Won't  you  come  back  here  to  live  ?  "  asked  Septi- 
mus.   "  We'll  have  awful  good  times  together." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  professor,  "  Septimus  always  loved 
you  like  a  brother." 

"  Yes,  I  did,"  affirmed  Septimus. 

"  It  is  pleasant  to  find  you  so  glad  to  see  me,"  said 
Bernard,  smiling.  "  I  am  afraid  I  can't  stay,  though. 
My  friend,  Mr.  Cunningham  of  London,  can't  spare 
me.    We  shall  stay  in  iSTew  York  for  the  present." 

"  May  I  come  to  visit  you  ?  "  asked  Septimus. 

"  I  am  not  sure  that  it  would  be  convenient,  but  if 
you  wish  to  make  a  trip  to  ISTew  York  on  your  own 
account,  this  will  help  you  to  do  it,"  and  Bernard  pro- 
duced a  five-dollar  bill,  which  Septimus  seized  with 
avidity. 

Later  in  the  day  Bernard  called  on  ITat  Barclay, 


20 


306  BERNARD  BROOKS'  ADVENTURES. 

and  insisted  on  taking  him  to  Kew  York  for  a  few 
days. 

"  You  were  my  friend  when  I  needed  one,  I^at. 
IsTow  I  have  more  than  I  want.  Septimus  and  his 
father  seem  devoted  to  me." 

"  It  is  the  way  of  the  world,"  said  Mr.  Barclay. 
"  Great  is  the  power  of  money !  " 

It  is  not  necessary  to  follow  Bernard  further.  He 
is  at  present  connected  with  Princeton  College,  and 
"I  hear  is  the  captain  of  the  football  team.  When  he 
has  completed  his  education  he  will  make  a  tour 
round  the  world  with  Mr.  Cunningham.  Even  Pro- 
fessor Snowdon  does  not  now  call  him  a  bad  lot,  but 
speaks  of  him  with  pride  as  "  my  distinguished  and 
favorite  pupil." 

"  I  wonder  if  the  professor  remembers  when  he 
chased  me  through  the  barn  with  a  horsewhip,"  Ber- 
nard says  to  himself,  with  a  smile.  "  I  wasn't  his 
favorite  pupil  then." 


THE  END. 


rt«  L.  Burt's  Catalogue  of  Books  for 
Young  People  by  Popular  Writers,  52- 
58  Duatie  Street,  New  York   "^   ^   ^ 


BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 


Joe's  Luck:    A  Boy's  Adventures  in  California.    By 

Horatio  Alger,  Jr.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  §1.00. 

The  story  is  chock  full  of  stirring  incidents,  while  the  amusine  situ- 
ations are  furnished  by  Joshua  Bickford,  from  Pumpkin  Hollow,  aad  the 
fellow  who  modestly  styles  himself  the  "Rip-tail  Roarer,  from  Pike  Co., 
Missouri."  Mr.  Alger  never  writes  a  poor  book,  and  ''Joe's  Luck"  is  cer- 
tainly one  of  bis  best. 

Tom  the  Bootblack;  or.   The  Eoad  to   Success.    By 

Horatio  Alger,  Jr.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

A  bright,  enterprising  lad  was  Tom  the  Bootblack.  He  was  not  at  all 
ashamed  of  bis  humble  callin;;,  though  always  on  the  lookout  to  better 
himself.  The  lad  started  for  Cincinuatl  to  look  up  his  heritage.  Mr. 
Grey,  th-i  uncle,  did  not  hesitate  to  employ  a  ru£Ban  to  kill  the  lad.  The 
plan  failed,  and  Gilbert  Grey,  once  Tom  the  bootblack,  came  Into  a  com- 
fortable  fBrtune.     This   la   one   of   Mr.    Alger's   best   stories. 

Dan  the  Newsboy.    By   Hoeatio   Alger,   Jr.    12nio, 

cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Dan  Mordaunt  and  his  mother  live  In  a  poor  tenement,  and  the  lad  is 
pluckily  trying  to  make  ends  meet  by  selling  papers  in  the  streets  of  New 
York.  A  little  heiress  of  six  years  is  confided  to  the  care  of  the  Mor- 
daunts.  The  child  is  kidnapped  and  Dan  tracks  the  child  to  the  house 
where  she  is  hidden,  and  rescues  her.  The  wealthy  aunt  of  the  littlo 
heiress  Is  so  delighted  with  Dan's  courage  and  many  good  qualities 
that  she   adopts   him   as  her  heir. 

Tony  the  Hero:     A    Brave    Bo/s    Adventure  with  a 

Tramp.    By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr.    ISmo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Tony,  a  sturdy  bright-eyed  boy  of  fourteen,  is  under  the  control  of 
Rudolph  Rugg,  a  thorough  rascal.  After  much  abuse  Tony  runs  away 
and  gets  a  job  as  stable  boy  in  a  country  hotel.  Tony  is  heir  to  a 
large  estate.  Rudolph  for  a  consideration  hunts  up  Tony  and  throws 
him  down  a  deep  well;  Of  course  Tony  escapes  from  the  fate  provided 
for  him,  and  by  a  brave  act,  a  rich  friend  secures  hla  rights  and  Tony 
Is    prosperous.     A    very    entertaining    book. 

The  Errand  Boy;  or.  How  Phil  Brent  Won  Success. 

By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr.    12mo,  cloth  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

The  career  of  "The  Errand  Boy"  embraces  the  city  adventures  of  a 
•mart  country  lad.  Philip  was  brought  up  by  a  kind-hearted  innkeeper 
named  Brent.  The  death  of  Mrs.  Brent  paved  the  wa.v  for  the  hero's 
subseQuent  troubles.  A  retired  merchant  in  New  York  secures  him  the 
situation   of   errand   boy,    and  thereafter   stands   as   his   friend. 

Tom  Temple's  Career.    By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr.     13mo, 

cloth,  illu3tr,ated,  price  51.00. 

Tom  Temple  is  a  bright,  self-reliant  lad.  He  leaves  Plympton  village 
to  seek  work  in  New  York,  whence  he  undertakes  an  Important  mission 
to  California.  Some  of  his  adventures  in  the  far  west  are  so  startling  that 
the  re4,der  will  scarcely  close  the  book  until  the  last  page  shall  have  been 
reached.     The  tale  is  written  in  Mr.  Alger's  most  fascinating  style. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  tha 
publisher,  A.  L.  BURT.  52-58  Quane  Street,  Nevr  York. 


A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOB  YOTJNG  PEOPLE. 


BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

Frank  Fowler,  the  Cash  Boy.    By  Horatio  Alger,  Jb. 

J2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Frank  Fowler,  a  poor  boy,  bravely  determines  to  make  a  llvlnjf  for 
himself  and  his  foster-sister  Grace.  Goinc  to  New  York  he  obtaine  a 
Bltuation  as  cash  boy  In  a  dry  goods  store.  He  renders  a  service  to  • 
wealthy  old  tjentleman  fvho  takes  a  fancy  to  the  lad,  and  thereafter 
helps   the    lad    to   gain   success   and    fortune. 

Tom  Thatcher's   Fortune.     By   Horatio   Alger,  Jr. 

12mo,  cloth,  ilhistrated,  price  81.00. 

Tom  Thatcher  is  a  brave,  ambitious,  nnselfisb  boy.  He  supports  his 
mother  and  sister  on  meagre  wages  earned  as  a  shoe-pegger  in  John 
Simpson's  factory.  Tom  is  discharged  from  the  factory  and  starts  over- 
land for  California.  He  meets  with  many  adventures.  The  story  is  told 
In  a  way  which  has  made  Mr.  Alger's  name  a  household  word  in  bo  many 
homes. 

The  Train    Boy.    By    Horatio    Alger,    Jr.     12mo, 

cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Paul  Palmer  was  a  wide-awake  boy  of  sixteen  who  supported  his  mother 
and  sister  by  selling  books  and  papers  on  the  Chicago  and  Milwaukee 
Railroad.  He  detects  a  young  man  in  the  act  of  picking  the  pocket  of  a 
young  lady.  In  a  railway  accident  many  passengers  are  killed,  but  Panl 
is  fortunate  enoueh  to  assist  a  Chicago  merchant,  who  out  of  gratitude 
takes  him  into  his  employ.  Paul  succeeds  with  tact  and  judgment  and 
is  well   started   on   the   road   to   business  prominence. 

Mark  Mason's  Victory.     The  Trials  and  Triumphs  of 

a  Telegraph  Boy.    By  HoRA'no  Alobr,  Jr.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price 

$1.00. 

Mark  Mason,  the  telegraph  boy,  was  a  sturdy,  honest  lad,  who  plucklly 
won  his  way  to  success  by  his  honest  manly  efforts  under  many  di£B- 
culties.  This  story  will  please  the  very  large  class  of  boys  who  regard 
Mr.   Alger  as   a   favorite  author. 

A  Debt  of  Honor.     The  Story  of  Gerald  Lane's  Success 

in  the  Far  West.    By  Horatio  Algbr,  Jr.     12me,  cloth,  illustrated,  price 

5^1.00. 

The  story  of  Gerald  Lane  and  the  account  of  the  many  trials  and  dis- 
appointments which  he  passed  through  befoi  he  attained  success,  will 
Interest  all  boys  who  have  read  the  previous  stories  of  this  delightful 
author. 

Ben  Brace.     Scenes  in  the  Life  of  a  Bowery  Newsboy. 

By  Horatio  Akjer,  Jr.    ISmo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Ben  Bmce  was  a  brave,  manly,  generous  boy.  The  story  of  his  efforts, 
and  many  seeming  failures  and  disappointments,  and  his  final  success,  are 
most  Interesting  to  all  readers.  The  tale  is  written  in  Mr.  Alger's 
most  fascinating  style. 

The  Castaways;  or.  On  the  Florida  Eeefs.     By  James 

Ons.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  tale  smacks  of  the  salt  sea.  Frotn  the  moment  that  the  Sea 
Queen  leaves  lower  New  York  bay  till  the  breeze  leaves  her  becalmed  off 
the  coast  of  Florida,  one  can  almost  hear  the  whistle  of  the  wind 
through  her  rigging,  the  creak  of  her  straining  cordage  as  she  heels  to 
the  leeward.  The  adventures  of  Ben  Clark,  the  hero  of  the  storv  and 
Jake  the  cook,  cannot  fail  to  charm  the  reader.  As  a  writer  for  yonng 
people    Mr.    Otis    is    a    prime    favorite. 

For  sale  by  aU  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  tbC 
publisher,  A.  L.  BVET,  52-58  Duane  Street,  New  York. 


A.  L.  BURT^S  BOOKS  FOE  YOUNG  PEOPLE.  3 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

Wrecked  on  Spider  Island ;  or.  How  Ned  Kogers  Found 

the  Treasure.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Ned  Rogers,  a  "down-east"  plucky  lad  ships  as  cabin  boy  to  earn 
a  livelihood.  Ned  is  marooned  ou  Spider  Island,  and  while  there  dls- 
coYors  a  ^^'reck  submerged  in  the  sand,  and  finds  a  considerable  amount 
of  treasure.  The  capture  of  the  treasure  and  the  incidents  of  the 
voyage  serve  to  make  as  entertaining  a  story  of  sea-life  as  the  most 
captious    boy    could    desire. 

The  Search  for  the  Silver  City :  A  Tale  of  Adventure  in 

Yucatau.    By  Jambs  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Two  lads,  Teddy  Wright  and  Neal  Emery,  embark  on  the  steam 
yacht  Day  Dream  for  a  cruise  to  the  tropics.  The  yacht  is  destroyed 
by  Are,  and  then  the  boat  is  cast  upon  the  coast  of  Yucatan.  They 
bear  of  the  wonderful  Silver  City,  of  the  Chan  Santa  Cruz  Indians, 
and  with  the  help  of  a  faithful  Indian  ally  carry  off  a  number  of  the 
golden  images  from  the  temples.  Pursued  with  relentless  vigor  at  last 
their  escape  is  effected  in  an  astonishing  manner.  The  story  is  so 
full  of  exciting  incidents  that  the  reader  Is  quite  carried  away  with 
the   novelty   and   realism   of   the   narrative. 

A   Runaway    Brig;  or.    An    Accidental    Cruise.     By 

James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  Is  a  sea  tale,  and  the  reader  can  look  out  upon  the  wide  shimmer- 
ing sea  as  it  flashes  back  the  sunlight,  and  Imagine  himself  afloat  with 
Harry  Vandyne,  Walter  Morse,  Jim  Libby  and  that  old  shell-back.  Bob 
Brace,  on  the  brig  Bonita.  The  boys  discover  a  mysterious  document 
which  enables  them  to  find  a  burled  treasure.  They  are  stranded  on 
an  island  and  at  last  are  rescued  with  the  treasure.  The  boys  are  sure 
to  be  fascinated  with  this  entertaining  story. 

The    Treasure    Finders:     A    Boy's    Adventures    in 

Nicaragua.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

Roy  and  Dean  Coloney,  with  their  guide  Tongla,  leave  their  father's 
Indigo  plantation  to  visit  the  wonderful  ruins  of  an  ancient  city.  The 
boys  eagerly  explore  the  temples  of  an  extinct  race  and  discover  three 
golden  Images  cunningly  hidden  away.  They  oscape  with  the  greatest 
difficulty.  Eventually  they  reach  safety  with  their  golden  prizes.  We 
doubt  if  there  ever  was  written  a  more  entertaining  story  than  "The 
Treasure    Finders." 

Jack,  the  Hunchback.     A  Story  of  the  Coast  of  Maine. 

By  James  Otis.    Price  $1.00. 

This  is  the  story  of  a  little  hunchback  who  lived  on  Cape  Elizabeth, 
on  the  coa^t  of  Maine.  His  trials  and  successes  are  most  interesting. 
From  first  to  last  nothing  stays  the  interest  of  the  narrative.  It  bears  us 
along  as  on  a  stream  whose  current  varies  in  direction,  but  never  loses 
Its   force. 

With  Washington  at  Monmouth:    A    Story   of   Three 

Philadelphia   Boys.     By  James  Otis.     ISmo,   ornamental  cloth,   olivina 

edges,  illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Three  Philadelphia  lads  assist  the  American  spies  and  make  regular 
and  frequfii*-  visits  to  Valley  Forge  in  the  Winter  while  the  British 
occupied  the  ciiy.  The  story  abounds  with  pictures  of  Colonial  life 
skillfully  drawn,  and  the  glimpses  of  Washington's  soldiers  which  are 
given  shown  that  the  work  has  not  been  hastily  done,  or  without  con- 
siderable studf.  The  story  is  wholesome  and  patriotic  In  tone,  as  are 
all    of    Mr.    Otis'    works. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher.  A.  L.  BUET,   52-53  Duana  Street.  New  Vork. 


4  A.  L.  BURT'S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYS.  ^ 

!Witli  lafayette  at  Yorktown:  A  Story  of  How  Two 

Boys  Joined  the  Continental  Army.    By  James  Otis.    12nao,  ornamental 

cloth,  olivine  edges,  illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Two  lads  from  Portin»uth,  N.  H.,  attempt  to  enlist  In  the  Colonial 
Army,  and  are  given  employment  as  spies.  There  Is  no  lack  of  exciting 
Incidents  which  the  youthful  reader  craves,  but  it  is  healthful  excite- 
ment brimming  with  facts  which  every  boy  should  be  familiar  with, 
and  while  the  reader  is  following  the  adventures  of  Ben  Jaffrays  and 
Ned  Allen  he  is  acquiring  a  fund  of  historical  lore  which  will  remain 
In  his  memory  long  after  that  which  he  has  memorized  from  text- 
books   has    been    forgotten. 

At  tJhe  Siege  of  Havana.    Being  the  Experiences  of 

Three  Boys  Serving  under  Israel  Putnam  in  1762.    By  Jambs  Otis.    12mo, 

ornamental  cloth,  olivine  edges,  illustrated,  price  gl.50. 
"At    the    Siege    of    Havana"    deals    with    that    portion    of    the    Island's 
history    when    the    English     king    captured    the    capital,     thanks    to    the 
assistance   given   by   the   troops   from   New   England,    led   In   part   by   Col. 
Israel    Putnam. 

The  principal  characters  are  Darius  Lunt,  the  lad  who,  represented  as 
telling  the  story,  and  his  comrades,  Robert  Clement  and  Nicholas 
Vallet.  Colonel  Putnam  also  figures  to  considerable  extent,  necessarily. 
In  the  tale,  and  the  whole  forms  one  of  the  most  readable  stories  founded  on 
historical    facts. 

The  Defense  of  Fort  Henry.       A  Story  of  Wheeling 

Creek  in  1777.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  ornamental  cloth,  olivine  edges, 

illustrated,  price  $1.50. 

Nowhere  In  the  history  of  our  country  can  be  found  more  heroic  or 
thrilling  Incidents  than  in  the  story  of  those  brave  men  and  women 
who  founded  the  settlement  of  Wheeling  in  the  Colony  of  Virginia.  The 
recital  of  what  Elizabeth  Zane  did  is  in  itself  as  heroic  a  stor.v  as  can 
be  imagined.  The  wondrous  bravery  displayed  by  Major  McCulloch 
and  his  gallant  comrades,  the  sufferings  of  the  colonists  and  their  sacrifice 
of  blood  and  life,  stir  the  blood  of  old  as  well  as  young  readers. 

The  Capture  of  the  Laughing  Mary.     A  Story  of  Three 

New  York  Boys  in  1776.    By  Jambs  Otis.    12mo,  ornamental  cloth,  olivine 

edges,  price  81-50. 

"During  the  British  occupancy  of  New  York,  at  the  outbreak  of  the 
Revolution,  a  Yankee  lad  hoars  of  the  plot  to  take  General  Washington's 
person,  and  calls  in  two  companions  to  assist  the  patriot  cause.  They 
do  some  astonishing  things,  and,  incidentally,  lay  the  way  for  an 
American  navy  later,  by  the  exploit  which  gives  Its  name  to  the 
work.  Mr.  Otis'  books  are  too  well  known  to  require  any  particular 
commendation  to  the  young." — Evening  Post. 

With  Warren  at  Bunker  Hill.    A  Story  of  the  Siege  of 

Boston.     By  .Taxes  Otis.     12mo,  omametnal  cloth,  olivine  edges,  illus- 
trated, price  $1.50. 

"This  is  a  tale  of  the  siege  of  Boston,  which  opens  on  the  day  after 
the  aoiiiKS  at  Lexington  and  Concord,  with  a  description  of  home  life 
In  Boston,  introduces  the  reader  to  the  British  camp  at  Charlestown, 
shows  Gen.  Warren  at  home,  describes  what  a  bo.v  thought  of  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  closes  with  the  raising  of  the  siege.  The 
three  heroes,  Geor?;e  W<'ntworth,  Ben  Scarlett  and  an  old  ropemaker, 
incur  the  enmity  of  a  .Toimg  Tory,  who  causes  them  many  adventures 
the  boys  will  like  to  read." — Detroit  Free  Press. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellerr..  or  sent  posioaid  on  rocoint  of  price  by  tb« 
publisher,   A.   L.   ElTJiT,    £2-^£;S  Duane   Street,   Kew  Vovf 


A.  L.  BUET^S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 


BOOKS  FOR  BOYS. 

With  the  Swamp  Fox.    The  Story  of  General  Marion's 

Spies.    By  Jaubs  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  Ulustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  story  deals  with  General  Francis  Marion's  heroic  struggle  in  the 
Carolinas.  General  Marion's  arrival  to  take  command  of  these  brave 
men  and  rough  riders  is  pictured  as  a  boy  might  have  seen  it,  and 
although  the  story  is  devoted  to  what  the  lads  did,  the  Svramp  fox 
is   ever   present   in   the    mind    of    the    reader. 

On  the  Kentucky  Frontier.     A  Story  of  the  Fighting 

Pioneers  of  the  "West.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1. 

In  the  history  of  our  country  there  is  no  more  thrilling  story  than 
that  of  the  work  done  on  the  Mississippi  river  by  a  handful  of  frontiers- 
men. Mr.  Otis  takes  the  reader  on  that  famous  expedition  from  the 
arrival  of  Major  Clarke's  force  at  Corn  Island,  until  Kaskaskia  was 
captured.  He  relates  that  part  of  Simon  Kenton's  life  history  which 
l3  not  usually  touched  upon  either  by  the  historian  or  the  story  teller. 
This  la  one  of  the  most  entertaining  books  for  young  people  which  has 
been    published. 

Sarah  Dillard's  Ride.      A  Story  of  South  Carolina  in 

in  1780.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  81.00. 

"This  book  deals  with  the  Carolinas  in  1780,  giving  a  wealth  of  detail  of 
the  Mountain  Men  who  struggled  so  valiantly  against  the  king's  troops. 
Major  Fercuson  is  the  prominent  British  officer  of  the  story,  which  is 
told  as  though  coming  from  a  youth  who  experienced  these  adventures. 
In  this  way  the  famous  ride  of  Sarah  Dillard  is  brought  out  as  aa 
incident  of  the  plot." — Boston  Toumal. 

A  Tory  Plot.     A  Story  of  the  Attempt  to  Kill  General 

Washington.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

"  'A  Tory  Plot'  is  the  story  of  two  lads  who  overhear  something 
of  the  plot  originated  during  the  Revolution  by  Gov.  Tryou  to  capture 
or  murder  Washington.  They  communicate  their  knowledge  to  Gen. 
Putnam  and  are  commissioned  by  him  to  play  the  role  of  detectives 
In  the  matter.  They  do  so,  and  meet  with  many  adventures  and  hair- 
breadth escapes.  The  boys  are,  of  course,  mythical,  but  they  serve  to  en- 
able the  author  to  put  into  very  attractive  sl-.ape  much  valuable  knowledge 
concerning  one  phase  of  the  Revolution." — Pittsburgh  Times. 

A  Traitor's  Escape.     A  Story  of  the  Attempt  to  Seiza 

Benedict  Arnold,    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  SI. 00. 

"This  is  a  tale  with  stirring  scenes  depicted  in  each  chapter,  bringing 
clearly  before  the  mind  the  glorious  deeds  of  the  early  settlers  in  this 
country.  In  an  historical  work  dealing  with  this  country's  past,  no 
plot  can  hold  the  attention  closer  than  this  one,  which  describes  the 
attempt  and  partial  success  of  Benedict  Arnold's  escape  to  New  York, 
where  he  remained  as  the  guest  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  All  those  who 
actually  figured  in  the  arrest  of  the  traitor,  as  well  as  Gen.  Washing- 
ton, are  included  as  characters." — Albany  Union. 

A  Crnise  with  Paul  Jones.     A  Story  of  Naval  Warfare 

in  1776.    By  James  Otis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  Sl.OO. 

"This  story  takes  up  that  portion  of  Paul  Jones'  adventurous  life 
when  he  was  hoveriug  off  the  British  coast,  watching  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  strike  the  enemy  a  blow.  It  deals  more  narticulnrly  with 
his  descent  upon  Whitehaven,  the  seizure  of  Lady  Selkirk's  plate,  and 
the  famous  battle  with  the  Drake.  The  boy  who  figures  in  the  tale 
is  one  who  was  taken  from  a  derelict  by  Paul  Jones  shortly  after  this 
particular  cruise  was  benuu." — Chicag-o  Inter-Ocean. 

For  sale  by  all  bnoksellrrs,  or  sent  postpaid  on  receipt  of  price  by  tha 
publisher.  A,   L.   BU.^1.   6<!-5S  Dudna   Street,   Sfaw   Vork. 


6  A.  L.  BURT^S  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 

BOOKS  FOR  BOYST  " 

Corporal  Lige's  Recruit.    A  Story  of  Crown  Point  and 

Ticonderoga.    By  Jambs  Otis.    ISmo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1,00. 

"In  'Corporal  Llse's  Kecruit,'  Mr.  Otis  tells  the  amusine:  story  of  an 
old  soldier,  proud  of  his  record,  who  had  served  the  king  in  '58,  and  who 
tates  the  lad,  Isaac  Rice,  as  his  'personal  recruit.'  The  lad  acquits 
himself  superbly.  Col.  Ethan  Allen  'in  the  name  of  God  and  the  con- 
tinental congress,'  infuses  much  martial  spirit  into  the  narrative,  which 
will  arouse  the  keenest  Interest  as  it  proceeds.  Crown  Point,  Ticon- 
deroga,  Benedict  Arnold  and  numerous  other  famous  historical  namva 
appear  in  this  dramatic  tale." — Boston  Globe. 

Morgan,  the  Jersey  Spy.  A  Story  of  the  Siege  of  York- 
town  in  1781.  By  James  Otis.  ]2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 
"The  two  lads  who  are  utilized  by  the  author  to  emphasize  the  details 
of  the  work  done  during  that  memorable  time  were  real  boys  who  lived 
on  the  banks  of  the  York  river,  and  who  aided  the  Jersey  spy  in  his 
dangerous  occupation.  In  the  guise  of  fishermen  the  lads  visit  York- 
town,  are  suspected  of  being  spies,  and  put  under  arrest.  Morgan  risks 
bis  life  to  save  them.  The  final  escape,  the  thrilling  encounter  with  a 
squad  of  red  coats,  when  they  are  exposed  equally  to  the  bullets  of 
friends  and  foes,  told  in  a  masterly  fashion,  makes  of  this  volume  one 
of  the  most  entertainine  books  of  the  year." — Inter-Ocean. 

The  Young  Scout:  The  Story  of  a  West  Point  Lieu- 
tenant. By  Edward  S.  Ellis.  12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 
The  crafty  Apache  chief  Geronimo  but  a  few  years  ago  was  the 
most  terrible  scourge  of  the  southwest  border.  The  author  has  woven. 
In  a  tale  of  thrilling  interest,  all  the  Incidents  of  Geronimo's  last  raid. 
The  hero  is  Lieutenant  James  Decker,  a  recent  graduate  of  West  Point. 
Ambitious  to  distinguish  himself  the  young  man  takes  many  a  desperate 
chance  against  the  enemy  and  on  more  than  one  occasion  narrowly 
escapes  with  his  life.  In  our  opinion  Mr.  Ellis  is  the  best  writer  of 
Indian   stories   now   before   the   public. 

Adrift  in  the  Wilds:  The  Adventures  of  Two  Ship- 
wrecked Boys.  By  Edwakd  S.  Ellis.  ]2mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.0ft 
Elwood  Brandon  and  Howard  Lawrence  are  en  route  for  San  Fran- 
cisco. Off  the  coast  of  California  the  steamer  takes  fire.  The  two  boya 
reach  the  shore  with  several  of  the  passengers.  Young  Brandon  be- 
comes separated  from  his  party  and  is  captured  by  hostile  Indiana, 
but  is  afterwards  rescued.  This  is  a  very  entertaining  narrative  of 
Southern    California. 

A  Young  Hero;  or,  Fighting  to  Win.    By  Edward  S. 

Ellis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1.00. 

This  story  tells  how  a  valuable  solid  silver  service  was  stolen  from 
the  Misses  Perklnpine,  two  very  old  and  simple  minded  ladies.  Fred 
Sheldon,  the  hero  of  this  story,  undertakes  to  discover  the  thieves  and 
have  them  arrested.  After  much  time  spent  in  detective  work,  he 
succeeds  In  discovering  the  silver  plate  and  winning  the  reward.  The 
story  is  told  in  Mr.  Ellis'  most  fascinating  style.  Every  boy  will  be 
glad  to  read  this  delightful  book. 

Lost  in  the  Rockies.    A  Story  of  Adventure  in  the 

Rocky  Mountains.    By  Edward  S.  Ellis.    12mo,  cloth,  illustrated,  price  $1. 

Incident  succeeds  Incident,  and  adventore  Is  piled  upon  adventure, 
and  at  the  end  the  reader,  be  he  boy  or  man,  will  have  experienced 
breathless  enjoyment  In  this  romantic  story  describing  many  adventures  in 
the  Rockies  and  among  the  Indians. 

For  sale  by  all  booksellprs,  or  sent  postpnid  on  receipt  of  price  by  the 
publisher,  A.  L.  BUBT.  52-69  Sua&e  Street,  New  York, 


^1, 


